About Barelegs

Bringing the Heat to Ngunguru

After my Sauna discovery experience in Sweden, I came back to New Zealand desperate to tell Jo he was right. But the vision had grown. I didn’t just want a sauna for our garden anymore; I wanted it for our whole community.

Historically, the sauna was never meant to be a rare luxury; it was a regular, communal ritual. Going solo is great, but when you sweat, breathe, and plunge alongside your neighbours, the experience elevates into something else entirely.

So, we tracked down a gorgeous, authentic wood-fired sauna built by Ahi Saunas, engineered by Norwegians with components imported straight from Scandinavia. We had the perfect sauna. Now, we just needed a name.

Why "Barelegs"?

Growing up in the Scottish Highlands, "Barelegs" was a nickname given to me by my oldest friends after we found it in a historical registry book. When Jo jokingly suggested it for the sauna, we laughed. But then we stopped... wait, that actually works.

Barelegs is playful, it’s grounded, and best of all, it’s completely inclusive. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from, or what kind of day you’ve had. Everyone has bare legs. Literally all you need to bring to our sauna is yourself (well, that and a towel).
Everyone is welcome. Everyone can reap the benefits.

What our guests say...

★★★★★ Google Reviews

★★★★★

"oh wow... I was missing a rustic good hot sauna for a few years ... I found this one and really was worth the drive for am amazing detox and relax time. the cold shower outside was grand. great peaceful setting. in short this sauna is gourgeous lovely awesome and so is the host 🙂 ..OH and they had cherry tasting electrolytes - very unique and thoughtful

Hardworking Mom
Text Review

★★★★★

"Amazing sauna experience! Beautiful setting, cute sauna (with high walls so you’re not hunched over) Kayleigh and Jo have made an awesome space to relax and recharge in. Highly recommend Barelegs Sauna. Can’t wait to get back again!

Gina McInnes
Google Review

★★★★★

"The hottest place in town! We loved our time at barelegs sauna! Perfect on cold winter days or after a day hike. Beautiful natural setting, hot sauna, cold shower, and water and electrolytes provided. Kayleigh and Jo are amazing hosts who make you feel super welcome. We will be back for sure!

Ines Bartl
Google Review

★★★★★

"I love my saunas hot and this place delivered! Great hosts and great heat! Amazing and fully recommend. They had a super cold shower for contrast! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cat Monnington
Google Review

★★★★★

"My friend and I experienced Barelegs Sauna last night and it was magical from start to finish.
Walking in over a little stream with lights hanging in the trees.
We were greeted straight away with a smile and had things explained to us, then we had the most amazing hot sauna and cold shower.
We met fantastic people and are both super excited to join a sound bath event.
We absolutely loved our time and will definitely be going back for more.
I highly recommend.
And my skin feels so good 🌸

Haley Hunter
Google Review

★★★★★

"Beautiful oasis, private and vibe with the lights around the tree. Space to chill afterwards! See you next time

Arlena Teiho
Google Review

★★★★★

"Absolutely LOVED my sauna experience at Barelegs sauna. I particularly enjoyed the secluded, private setting, was able to just lock in to the experience without fear of judgement or unwanted exposure. The pathway to the sauna sets the scene for the beautiful experience with the festoon lights in the trees and little wooden bridge over the creek, feels very calm and inviting. Kayleigh was super chill too, a perfect balance of welcoming, but allowing privacy to let us check out of ourselves for the hour! This will be my new Friday night ritual!)

Michelle James
Google Review

★★★★★

"Fire-fuelled sauna in a beautiful garden. We enjoyed our stay there very much: Heating up in the sauna, cooling down with the cold outdoor shower, short break walking to the little creek in the garden and than the whole process from the start 🙂

Hermelinchen Meyer
Google Review