Kiwa Pools is helping swimmers warm up their winter routine through a new on-site partnership with The Sauna Project Tairāwhiti.
From Thursday 28 May to Saturday 27 June, the wood-fired mobile sauna, based out of Tatapouri Bay, will operate a pop-up at Kiwa Pools Thursday and Friday from 1pm to 6pm, and Saturday from 1pm to 5pm.
People can book online at www.thesaunaproject.co.nz/tairawhiti, or by scanning the QR code at the Kiwa Pools front desk.
Drop-ins are welcome, giving swimmers the option of a warm recovery session after their laps, subject to availability.
Taking the opportunity to snap up one of the first bookings yesterday, Raymon Jeffs says his experience with the sauna has been transformative. Living with sleep apnoea, he’s noticed a real difference in his readings after each session.
“I can see my numbers are much more balanced afterwards. It’s also not just about physical wellbeing for me – the social side is special too. I’ve never felt better,” he says.
One-hour sauna sessions are $26 per person, with a maximum of eight people per session. Each one-hour session includes three 15-minute sauna rounds, with five-minute cool-downs between rounds. Showers are included.
A 20-minute drop-in session is also available for Kiwa Pool users for only $8, with bookings and payment made directly with sauna staff on site. A 10-session concession card is available for $180, working out at $18 per hour session.
Kiwa Pools Aquatics Manager Campbell Macgregor says the partnership is a great fit for swimmers wanting to stay active through the colder months.
"Winter is actually one of the best times to swim,” says Mr Macgregor.
“The water is warm, the lanes are quieter, and having a sauna available afterwards gives people another reason to keep moving through winter.
“It’s also a good time to start building up your swimming before Swim the Distance in August. Two months is plenty of time to get back into a rhythm and build confidence in the water. Two-month Kiwa Pools memberships are available now for $110, with no 12-month commitment.”
“We’re stoked to have The Sauna Project at Kiwa for the next month, sessions are limited so get a group of friends together and book in today.”
To find out more follow Kiwa Pools on Facebook.
Image: Raymon Jeffs (left) cools down after his sauna alongside Simon White (right), owner-operator of The Sauna Project - Tairāwhiti on opening day at Kiwa Pools.