The rooms
The space
Two soak rooms, a steam alcove, a row of foot chairs and a small tea room, fitted out in cedar, river stone and low warm light.
The sento room
The communal heart. One long cedar tub at forty degrees, a cold plunge, and a rest bench under a high window.
Two private rooms
Smaller cedar tubs behind a door, drawn fresh for each booking, for one or two people at a time.
The steam alcove
A low cedar bench in mineral steam, a few steps from a cold rinse, for the rounds between soaks.
The tea room
Tatami, floor cushions, a pot of genmaicha and no clocks. Where every session slows to a stop.
The house goes quiet.
Each day, no phones and no conversation in any room.
The hands and the house
A small team, here for the long run. You can ask for the same therapist each visit.
Emi Nakagawa
Bath master and founder
Grew up between Ōtautahi and her grandmother's bathhouse in Beppu. Opened The Soak House to bring the two together.
Reuben Carr
Foot therapist
Ten years in remedial massage, now given over entirely to feet. Firm hands, few words.
Anahera Pohatu
Tea room and front of house
Pours the genmaicha and keeps the calm. Knows every regular's usual soak before they ask.
A look inside
