Floating sauna coming to marina
Planners have given the green light to New Zealand's first floating sauna and plunge experience.
Located in Queenstown Marina on a floating pontoon, 'Thermae by Aluume' will feature two electrically-powered saunas, each with capacity for six people, and an immediate plunge pool experience.
The idea is patrons heat up in the sauna and then go for an invigorating plunge into the cold alpine waters of Lake Wakatipu.
Australian entrepreneur Tim McMahon's company Aluume Wellness is behind the 'hot and cold therapy' venture, which is growing in popularity around the world.
“We're thrilled to get the green light from QLDC for New Zealand’s first floating sauna," McMahon says.
"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."
Sheltered in the breakwater of the marina, the floating pontoon will be attached to existing mooring poles at the end of Pier C. Construction is underway and it is expected to open to the public later this year.
McMahon says the company has worked with an all-local team to bring the concept to life, including architects Hyndman Taylor.
“Queenstown is an incredibly unique part of the world. It has been our focus from the beginning to ensure that what we design and bring to the community is in tune with the natural landscape," he says.
"To help us we have consulted and worked with local planners, designers and architectural firms who deeply understand the space and surroundings.”
McMahon is also exploring the feasibility of a ferry service from Steamer Wharf in Queenstown Bay out to the floating sauna.
Construction is also underway on 'Bathe by Aluume', a hot pools venture on land surrounding Queenstown Mini Golf on Brecon Street. Set to open in May / June this year, the facility will feature 11 private small hot pools and one larger hot pool.
"Each pool can fit up to four people and with the communal pool facilities it means Bathe by Aluume is family friendly too."
The plan is to cater for a range of budgets, and for locals and visitors alike.
"We plan to open six hot pools in stage 1 of the Bathe project, with Stage 2 expanding on the site with an additional seven pools. Options will remain open for a possible stage 3 in 2026."
Both Thermae and Bathe will operate hand in hand, with a ticket booth located in Steamer Wharf offering packages for guests.
The company plans to expand further into the local health and wellness sector.
