Four unforgettable apres-ski experiences in Queenstown even non-skiers will love

Billed as New Zealand's first floating sauna (constructed on a pontoon jutting into Lake Wakatipu) beside Queenstown's busy wharf, Watershed is a clever apres-ski or post-hike concept that aligns perfectly with the current wellness-while-travelling craze. Hour-long single sessions entail joining strangers in either the 14-person or six-guest sauna, so go with a friend or book a group private session. With water-level views across to the surrounding ranges, the roll of rippling waves beneath the beautifully crafted Finnish saunas and the "should I, shouldn't I?' plunge-pool, directly accessing icy Lake Wakatipu from the pontoon, these brand-new saunas promise a "watershed moment" (and recovery from aching limbs or throbbing heads) during active Queenstown holidays. watershedsaunas.com

It's hard to imagine anything more delicious than soaking in a hot pool, outside, with snow on the mountains and air temperatures hovering around freezing. While Aluume isn't the newest wellness facility in Queenstown, its location, on Brecon Street, above the CBD, makes it a convenient, yet quiet experience.

Among 11 options here are the Mountain View, a semi-enclosed pool that opens towards Skyline Gondola and Coronet Peak; and Botanical, a softly-lit space adorned with native plants. The magnesium-infused water is heated to 38 degrees, each private pool area has "monsoon" showers, and the whole bathing complex is an attractive blend of raw concrete, bamboo-like wooden enclosures and landscaping reflecting Queenstown's natural surrounds. aluume.com

Sherwood is a one-stop pub for the apres-ski and post-hike crowds. The hotel encompasses a pumping bar with outdoor area, under heaters, an eye-wideningly refined restaurant with views across Lake Wakatipu, homely, reasonably-priced 80s retro guest rooms, an onsite sauna and yoga classes, alongside flexible locals.

The star attraction is the home-grown restaurant food, from executive chef Chris Scott. The sustainably-sourced "Leave it To US" menu, including share plates like buffalo ricotta croquettes flavoured with pea and mint, a divine wagyu tartare and the Lumina lamb shoulder with tahini-dressed carrots is worth the five-minute drive out of town. However, once there you'll want to stay for the inclusive, ultra-relaxing, feel-good vibe. sherwoodqueenstown.nz

Location, location, location ... it's all about the lakefront in Queenstown and at Boardwalk restaurant there are raised views across Wakatipu and back towards the Remarkables, from one floor up. This means a box-seat for sunsets that blush those mountains pink and mauve and fire up the clouds as if they're in a Broadway musical.

However, don't let that show distract from Boardwalk's fine seafood-leaning fare, including oysters, a creamy chowder crammed with fish, clams and prawns and Fiordland crayfish. Or from that glass of Central Otago pinot or craft Tuatara IPA, earned on the slopes today. Or indeed from an ambience that melds cool with Kiwi conviviality. boardwalkqueenstown.nz

The writer was a guest of Tourism Queenstown and Sherwood