How Much Does It Cost to Run a Sauna in NZ?

3 minute read

A modern wooden sauna cabin with glass door is placed on a tiled patio next to a living room and a potted plant.

Ever wonder what it really costs to add a sauna to your home after the initial purchase? The good news is that most saunas are surprisingly affordable to run.

Collage showing three types of saunas: a traditional wood-fired barrel sauna in a forest (left), an indoor infrared sauna with two women sitting inside (top right), and a traditional electric barrel sauna outdoors with a man standing at the door (bottom right). Each sauna type is labeled.

Each type works differently, so the running cost depends on how it heats up and how much power or fuel it needs.

The most common types of saunas are infrared, traditional (electric), and traditional (wood-fired). Here’s a breakdown of the running costs associated with each type.

What is Affecting the Running Costs of a Sauna?

There are multiple factors that will impact how much each Sauna session will cost you:

Sauna type
Session length
How often you use it
Power or wood costs
Warm-up time
Indoor or outdoor setup

Running Costs for Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas warm your body using light-based heaters, so they don’t need extremely high temperatures. They use the least energy of all sauna types. Most infrared saunas fall between 1-2 kW, which is similar to running a small heater. A 1-2-person indoor infrared sauna will use less energy than larger options, but it’s not a significant difference. If you’re looking to keep your power bill low, infrared usually wins.

Average running cost: Around $0.30–$1.00 per session

Two women in swimsuits sit inside a modern wooden sauna in a home gym, with a treadmill on the left, a dumbbell rack and yoga mat on the right, and potted plants by the window.

Running Costs for Traditional Electric Saunas

Traditional electric saunas heat stones and warm the entire room. They also operate at higher temperatures. Most models use 4-6 kW of power to heat the stones. These saunas use stronger heaters, and the classic hot-stone steam experience naturally draws more energy. Even so, most homeowners find the running cost reasonable, especially if they enjoy that traditional, intense heat. Heating up a 1-4 person Electric Saunas will cost less than heating up a 5-8 person Electric Sauna, as the heater is more powerful.

Average running cost: Around $1.20-$3.00 per session

A man in shorts stands outside a small wooden sauna cabin with a curved roof, opening the door while holding a towel.

Running Costs for Wood-Fired Saunas

Wood-fired saunas don’t use electricity at all. Instead, you heat the sauna using firewood. The final cost depends on the type of wood you use and whether you buy it or already have your own supply. A larger option, like a 6-8 person cedar sauna, will require more firewood and a longer heat-up time, so your "per-session cost" will be a little higher.

Many people love wood-fired saunas because you can take them off-grid. There’s no electricity hookup required. They’re especially popular for outdoor areas or rural homes where firewood is readily accessible. If you live in a place where you get free firewood, your running costs are basically $0!!!

Average running cost: $0 if you have access to free firewood, otherwise about $2-$5 in firewood per session

A round, wood-fired barrel sauna with a glass door and benches sits in a lush forest clearing, with steam rising from its chimney.

Quick Comparison

You can get a better idea of how much it costs to run a sauna by comparing it to everyday appliances you already use. Most home saunas use 1-6 kW, depending on the type, which is similar to:

Central air conditioning: 2-5 kWh per hour
Clothes dryer: 2-3 kWh per load
Dishwasher: about 1.5 kWh per load

What This Means for Your Sauna Costs

Running a sauna at home doesn’t have to be expensive. If you’re looking for a setup that fits your home and your budget, exploring a few different sauna styles is the best place to start.

Ready to bring a sauna into your home? Explore the full range at Alpine Spas and find the one that fits your lifestyle. If you are unsure or need help, please contact us or check out our Product Finder that will help you to find the right Sauna for you.

Five product images with text options: people relaxing in a spa pool, a woman entering a sauna, a couple in a wooden hot tub, a man swimming in a swim spa, and a woman in an outdoor ice bath. Header text reads, "Select The Product You Are Most Interested In."

We also recommend checking out our sauna buying guide to learn more.

Written By our Sauna and Ice Bath Expert - Matt Carter

Matt Carter is one of our Alpine Spas branch managers, with deep expertise across indoor, outdoor, infrared, and traditional saunas. Having helped thousands of families find their perfect sauna, Matt brings hands-on experience and genuine industry knowledge to every conversation. When it comes to finding the right fit for your home and lifestyle, Matt knows what works and what matters.