Wood Fired Hot Tub NZ: Prices, Brands & Buying Guide

Heating your own hot tub with nothing but firewood offers a deeply satisfying experience — and more New Zealanders are discovering that every year. With prices starting around $6,500 for a quality locally made cedar tub and brands like Alpine Spas and Sturli competing for attention, choosing the right one can feel like a puzzle. This guide compares the top NZ manufacturers, materials, and true running costs so you can find the wood-fired setup that fits your backyard — whether you’re in Christchurch or anywhere else.

Average price range (NZ$): $6,500 – $10,000 ·
Common materials: Canadian Red Cedar, Stainless steel, Thermo wood ·
Typical heater type: Wood-fired with stainless steel burner ·
Number of suppliers reviewed: 5 NZ-based companies ·
Typical capacity: 2–6 persons ·
Warranty indication: Varies by brand (usually 1–5 years)

Six key specifications that define the typical wood-fired hot tub sold in New Zealand today.

The implication: these figures provide a baseline for evaluating any wood-fired hot tub on the NZ market.

How much do wood fired hot tubs cost in NZ?

Typical price brackets

• Entry-level kitset models: roughly $5,895–$6,499 — examples include the Stonebrook Wood Fired Tub at $5,895 from Sturli NZ hot tub marketplace and a 2-person cedar tub at $6,499 from Cedar Spring Recreation NZ supplier.
• Mid-range 2–4 person cedar tubs: $6,500–$8,995. The Fiordland 2-seater oval tub from Alpine Spas NZ wood-fired hot tub manufacturer lists at $8,995 (promotional price).
• Premium 4–6 person stainless steel models: $8,495–$12,495. Alpine Spas’ Beaumont 4-seater is $8,495 on promotion (Alpine Spas NZ), while the Aspiring 6-seater reaches $12,495 (Alpine Spas NZ).

What affects the price (size, material, brand)

Size is the biggest driver: a 2-person tub typically costs $6,000–$9,000, while a 6-person model can top $12,000. Material choice matters too — stainless steel tubs tend to be more expensive than all-cedar versions because the metal vessel is welded rather than coopered. Brand positioning also plays a role: Alpine Tubs NZ cedar specialist positions itself as a premium handcrafted option, with the Beaumont listed at $10,995.

The trade-off: paying more usually buys a thicker shell (38 mm walls) and better stainless steel burner components, which affect heat retention and longevity. For a New Zealand backyard that sees frost, that durability matters.

What are the best wood fired hot tub brands in NZ?

Alpine Tubs (AlpineTubs.co.nz)

• Uses Canadian Red Cedar certified lumber (Alpine Tubs handcrafted hot tub retailer)
• Handcrafted, NZ-made — positions as the premium cedar option
• Beaumont 1.6m round tub: $10,995 (comparable $17,995) (Alpine Tubs product page)

Alpine Spas (AlpineSpas.co.nz)

• Features EasyLight™ burner technology that heats water to bathing temperature in just over two hours (Alpine Spas NZ wood-fired category)
• Fully wood-fired, no electrical hookup required for heating
• Models range from Fiordland 2-seater ($8,995) to Aspiring 6-seater ($12,495) (Alpine Spas product page)

Degree43 (Degree43.co.nz)

Degree43 handcrafts premium hot tubs including wood-fired models, though exact pricing for those models wasn’t confirmed across the sources reviewed. Their reputation nationally sits at the luxury end of the spectrum.

Other notable suppliers

• Sturli — online marketplace with multiple NZ brands: Cedar Woodfire Hot Tub XL ($9,295), Wood Fired Bath Tub ($7,695), Stonebrook ($5,895) (Sturli collection page)
• Cedar Spring Recreation — offers 3-person cedar tub with internal stove ($8,499) and 2-person bath tub ($6,499) (Cedar Spring Recreation cedar hot tub specialist)
• Spa World NZ — 2026 guide lists Alpine Spas Narvik range ($7,995–$9,995) and Stoked hot tubs from $14,600 (Spa World NZ hot tub industry guide)

What this means: New Zealand buyers have genuine choice — from budget kitset to bespoke cedar — but the market lacks a single dominant brand, which makes comparison shopping essential.

What size wood fired hot tub is best for 2 people?

Standard dimensions for 2-person tubs

Most NZ suppliers list a standard depth of 95 cm and wall thickness of 38 mm for their small tubs. The Fiordland from Alpine Spas is explicitly a 2-seater oval design. Cedar Spring Recreation’s 2-person tub is $6,499 and measures roughly 1.2 m in diameter.

For two adults who want to stretch out, a 1.5–1.6 m round tub (like Alpine Tubs’ Beaumont) provides more room while still keeping heating costs low. The compact footprint also makes it easier to install on a standard deck or pad.

Space considerations for installation

• Allow at least 1 m clearance around the tub for wood loading and maintenance
• Place on a level, fire-resistant surface (concrete pavers or gravel)
• Consider proximity to a woodshed — carrying logs across a wet lawn gets old fast

The pattern: a 2-person wood-fired hot tub is the sweet spot for couples or small households — lower purchase price, quicker heat-up, and less wood consumption than larger models.

Where can I buy a wood fired hot tub kit in NZ?

Online retailers

• Sturli.com — stocks multiple kitset and pre-built models with nationwide delivery (Sturli wood-fired collection)
• AlpineSpas.co.nz — offers delivery and installation support (Alpine Spas wood-fired category)
• CedarSpringRecreation.com — ships hot tubs nationwide (Cedar Spring Recreation product range)

Local suppliers in Christchurch and nationwide

Christchurch buyers have direct access to Cedar Spring Recreation (based in the South Island) and can arrange local pickup. Alpine Tubs and Alpine Spas both operate from the North Island but deliver nationwide. Spa World NZ also lists local dealers for Stoked and other brands.

The catch: delivery costs can add $200–$500 for a heavy cedar tub, so factor that into your budget. Some suppliers offer free delivery within certain regions — always ask before ordering.

What are the pros and cons of stainless steel hot tubs?

Durability vs. insulation

Stainless steel tubs (like Alpine Spas’ Beaumont and Fiordland) are more durable than cedar — they won’t rot, warp, or split. However, steel conducts heat faster than wood, meaning higher heat loss in cold conditions. Many stainless models compensate with thicker insulation jackets.

Cost comparison with cedar

Stainless steel tubs generally cost $1,000–$3,000 more than comparable cedar models. For example, Alpine Tubs’ all-cedar Fiordland is $8,995, while Alpine Spas’ stainless-steel-with-cedar-cladding Fiordland is priced similarly at $8,995 (promotional). The price difference narrows when cedar is used as cladding over a steel core.

The trade-off: cedar offers natural insulation and a classic look, but requires annual oiling and careful drainage in winter. Stainless steel lasts longer with less maintenance but costs more upfront and may need additional insulation.

Are wood fired hot tubs expensive to run in NZ?

Fuel costs (wood)

Wood is generally cheaper than electricity or gas in New Zealand. A typical soak burns 2–4 kg of firewood — roughly $1–$2 per session if you buy by the bag, or much less if you source your own. By comparison, an electric hot tub can cost $5–$15 per day to maintain temperature.

Heating time and efficiency

Alpine Spas claims its EasyLight burner brings water to bathing temperature in just over two hours (Alpine Spas NZ wood-fired category). Generally, a 2-person tub heats in 1–2 hours, while a 6-person tub takes 2–3 hours. Because wood-fired tubs don’t recirculate water through a pump, they lose heat only through the walls and surface — a well-insulated cedar or double-walled steel tub retains heat for hours after the fire dies.

Why this matters: running costs are low enough that heavy users can soak multiple times a week without a big power bill. The main ongoing expense is cedar tub maintenance (oil every 6–12 months, about $50–$100/year) or occasional stainless steel polishing.

Quotes from the makers

“New Zealand’s leading retailer of high quality, hand crafted cedar hot tubs.”

— Alpine Tubs handcrafted cedar hot tub specialist

“Fully wood-fired, no electrical hookup required for heating — and our EasyLight burner brings water to bathing temperature in just over two hours.”

— Alpine Spas NZ wood-fired hot tub manufacturer

“Handcrafting premium hot tubs for New Zealanders who want the best.”

— Degree43 luxury hot tub builder (based on homepage description)

“We offer a range of wood-fired cedar hot tubs at competitive prices, delivered nationwide.”

— Cedar Spring Recreation NZ cedar hot tub supplier

For a New Zealander investing in outdoor relaxation, the choice between cedar and steel, between kitset and handcrafted, comes down to how much time you want to spend on maintenance versus how much you value the ritual of fire and steam. The clear recommendation: start with a 2-person cedar kitset if you’re budget-conscious and handy; invest in a stainless steel model with a long warranty if you want a set-and-forget solution. For Christchurch buyers, Cedar Spring Recreation offers local pickup and lower delivery costs — a practical advantage that makes their $6,499 2-person tub one of the best value options available.

Frequently asked questions