Coming in hot.

Watershed is a premium floating sauna experience featuring an incredible contrast therapy experience afforded by the pristine, alpine, crystal clear waters of Lake Whakatipu.

We’re passionate about the sauna experience, designing our saunas with Finnish expertise and experience for the most authentic sauna experience. Our experience is all about the incredible mental and physical health benefits of cold water immersion and contrast therapy. Above all else Watershed is fun! And we promise you will feel so good after.

Our saunas floating pontoon accessed from St Omer’s Wharf, 110 Beach Street, Queenstown. Close to everything in town as St Omer’s is the last jetty on the shoreline, our saunas have uninterrupted views down the lake and epic sunsets!

Guests book a preferred session time and check in at our reception space on St Omer’s Wharf. Towels, lockers, and changing rooms are provided. After a short welcome and briefing from your sauna host, you’ll walk down the gangway to the floating sauna for your 60-minute session on Lake Whakatipu.

We recommend no more than three 15-minute intervals in the sauna, with breaks in between to cool off, relax on the deck, or plunge into the lake. There are also cool rooms adjacent to the saunas, where you can rest between rounds, store your shoes, phone, and locker keys.

Our floating pontoon features two plunge “pools” for each of the two saunas. The pools are designated cut out areas built into the pontoons to look like swimming pools, giving easy access and immersion into the pristine, crystal waters of Lake Whakatipu.

No of course not. You may choose to sauna only. We have bench seating on the deck as well as in the cool rooms to chill out in between the heat of the saunas. (With underfloor heating for your feet!). Outside there are showers with reticulated lake water for a quick refresh if you prefer not to get into the lake water.

Yes! WATERSHED features two saunas — a larger sauna for up to 14 guests, and a smaller one for up to 6, ideal for private bookings. Each has its own plunge pool on the deck, with direct access to the cool, pristine waters of Lake Whakatipu. Both saunas offer large windows with epic westerly views across the lake.

Yes! The smaller sauna can be booked for private sessions — perfect for solo time, couples, or groups of up to 6 friends. You can also book the larger sauna or both to reserve the entire pontoon, ideal for weddings, wellness events, or special celebrations. Pricing will be confirmed when bookings open.

We welcome guests aged 12 and above when accompanied by a parent or guardian. For all other sessions, proof of age (18+) may be required.

To ensure a safe and relaxing environment, participation is not permitted under the influence of alcohol. If you are pregnant or have cardiovascular or other health conditions, please consult your medical professional before experiencing contrast therapy.

Pricing will be available when bookings go live — stay tuned!

We aim to have our booking system live by December 2025.

The lake water is cool year-round, making it ideal for contrast therapy. In summer, it can reach up to 13°C, while in winter it may drop to 7–8°C.

Not at all. You can enjoy the sauna without committing to a full cold plunge. We also have outdoor showers with reticulated lake water if you'd prefer a refreshing rinse instead.

Contrast therapy, which involves alternating between hot and cold exposure, helps improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and speed up muscle recovery.

It stimulates the vascular and lymphatic systems, enhances detoxification, and has been linked to better mood, stress relief, and improved sleep. You'll feel incredible afterward!