Frequently Asked Questions

• We offer bookings through this website. After selecting an experience type, choose the day and prefered start time. Proceed to checkout - payment must be made to hold booking. Bookings open 21 days in advance. There is a 15-min gap to allow for cleaning and stoking the fire.

We can't promise that they will be available so please book online or contact us to make a custom booking if you'd like a longer private session or to have a larger group than 6.

• If for whatever reason you need to reschedule or cancel your booking, please contact us.
• For bookings cancelled more than 48 hours before the start of your session, GOODHEAT SAUNA will endeavor to refund the full cost of your booking, less the payment processing fees.
• For bookings cancelled less than 48 hours but more than 24 hours before your booking, we are able to provide a 50% refund (less payment processing fees).
• For bookings cancelled less than 24 hours before the start of your session, we are unable to provide a refund.

• You can use a voucher of gift card towards any of our experiences by entering the unique code during checkout on our site.
• Vouchers are valid for 1 year from purchase.

• If you have any reservations regarding sauna use, such as medical conditions, underlying health problems, the use of prescription drugs, or pregnancy, it is essential that you consult your GP before making a booking.
• Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to use the sauna.

• Sitting on a towel at all times
• Swimwear must be worn - no nudity permitted in the sauna.
• Staying in the sauna for no longer than 20 minutes at a time (we recommend 5-15 minute sessions)
• Gently pouring water onto the sauna stove; drizzle, don't dump water

• Alcohol and drugs are not permitted in the sauna. 
• GOODHEAT SAUNA operators reserve the right to refuse entry, cut short, or cancel sessions for any reason that may be deemed a health and safety risk including intoxication.

• We're located at the Nelson Yacht Club. You can also search goodheat sauna on google maps for directions.
• There is free public parking next to the Seafarers Memorial.
• The sauna is located in front of the boat ramp for easy access to the water.

• When you arrive you'll be greeted by a sauna host who will check you in and give you a safety briefing.

You'll have time for about three 10-15 minute sauna sessions with cold plunges in-between sessions. Please remember to leave time for changing as it's part of the 1hr session.

• Swim wear is required along with 2 towels - one to sit on in the sauna and one to dry yourself with.
• Water shoes for the boat ramp especially at low tide.
• Bring 1L of water in a non-breakable bottle.
• Please bring minimal personal items as there isn't much storage space in the sauna.
• We recommend arriving ready to go as our changing room is very small.

The sauna is a device free zone. We also recommend leaving any glasses, watches, or metal jewelry at home or taking off before your session. These can be kept inside the changing room.

• Please arrive 5min prior to the start of your session for the safety briefing.
• Changing times are included in your booking so ideally come swim-ready to leave more time to sauna.

We aim for a temperature range of 80-85 degrees celsius on the top bench. The bottom bench is 10-20deg cooler and recommended for those new to sauna.

Because heat rises and stratifies. One of the guiding principles of Finnish sauna design is to get your feet above the top of the rocks/stove. Getting your whole body into the hot zone creates a more comfortable experience.

• Yes, our 100kg of stones are ideal for creating smooth dense loyly (steam).
• Please check with other users before adding water to the rocks.
• Make sure to pour slowly.

Of course not - but it feels amazing once you work up the courage. We also have the option of a cold freshwater shower. We recommend that you give your body a chance to cool down outside after 10-15min in the sauna (we have a 15min sand timer inside the sauna). Please allow sea water to drip off before rushing back into the sauna.

We make sure to thoroughly clean the sauna between each session.

We also require sauna bathers to sit on a towel to avoid direct contact with the benches.

Saunas are actually very sanitary spaces due to a couple factors:

High Temperature:

The average temperature in a sauna is around 85°C (185°F). This extreme heat is effective in killing many types of bacteria and viruses. Most airborne pathogens cannot survive at temperatures above 60°C, making the sauna an inhospitable environment for them.

Adequate Ventilation:

Proper ventilation in a sauna ensures a continuous flow of fresh air and prevents the build-up of moisture, which could otherwise create a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.

For our communal sessions we allow 5 people and for the private sessions we allow 6 people.