Visitors to Queenstown will soon be able to embrace the wellness trend contrast therapy, thanks to a sleek new development on Lake Wakatipu.
Resource content has just been given for Thermae by Aluume, a floating sauna to be located in the water off of Queenstown’s Marina.
The floating structure will hold two electrically-powered saunas, each with a capacity of six persons, adjacent to a plunge space where users can immediately access the water of the lake via a contained plunge pool.
The sleek wooden design, akin to the hull of boats moored nearby and intended to complement the stunning location, has been created by local architects Hyndman Taylor.
Tim McMahon is the founder of Aluume Wellness, the company developing Thermae by Aluume, and also responsible for a second Queenstown development called Bathe by Aluume. This will bring a new hot pools development to the town near the popular Skyline gondola and minigolf attractions.
Bringing stylish bathing options and contrast therapy, said by proponents to help boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and release endorphins in the body, to Queenstown in an elevated way was the aim behind the two new developments according to McMahon.
Contrast therapy, famed for its health and wellness benefits, is hugely popular in Scandinavian countries and involves resting in a heated sauna before immersing your body in very cold water or snow. It may also include rehydration with water or tea, before repeating the cycle.
“Contrast therapy and sauna experiences are growing rapidly in popularity in the pursuit of enhanced health and wellbeing,” says McMahon. “As an ancient practice with proven health benefits, hot and cold therapy is gaining momentum. With that in mind, we saw an opportunity to bring to life an elevated sauna and plunge experience that integrates seamlessly with the beauty of Lake Wakatipu.”
Thermae by Aluume is expected to open to the public in late 2025.
Bathe by Aluume, now under construction, will feature eleven private small hot pools and one larger hot pool.
“The site on Brecon Street surrounds Queenstown Mini Golf and has some great views of the area,” says McMahon. “Some of the pools will be able to see all the way out to Coronet Peak, Skyline Gondola and The Remarkables.”
The first stage, included six pools, is expected to be open to the public around May or June this year, with a further seven pools being completed in stage two. McMahon says ‘options will remain open’ for a possible stage three, in 2026.
Both Thermae and Bathe will operate hand in hand, with a ticket booth located in Steamer Wharf offering packages for guests keen to try both spots, while plans for a ferry service from town are also being considered.
