Top South Island Spas

Travel from Queenstown to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Milford Sound on an easy day trip. Enjoy live commentary along the way, and many scenic photo stops. At Milford Sound, don’t worry about waiting in lines as tickets are included. Admire views of waterfalls and Mitre Peak from your cruise. Refuel with a tasty picnic lunch in a scenic location. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from listed locations for added convenience.

Watershed is a floating sauna experience on Lake Whakatipu, where guests cycle between hot Finnish saunas and cold lake plunges while surrounded by Queenstown’s alpine scenery. Designed around the classic rhythm of contrast therapy, guests move between sauna heat, cold water and moments of rest on the deck overlooking the mountains. Most people naturally fall into a pattern of sauna, plunge, rest, then repeat. Located just minutes from central Queenstown, Watershed offers a calm space on the water that feels surprisingly removed from the town centre. Guests often visit after a day hiking, skiing or exploring the region, or simply to slow down and reset. The experience suits couples, friends and anyone curious about contrast therapy, and is especially popular as a winter ritual after a day in the mountains.

Fans of the Lord of the Rings movies won’t want to miss this fun half-day tour to various filming locations in the Southern Alps. You’ll enjoy exclusive access to private Arcadia Station and will also visit the beautiful Mt. Aspiring National Park. Be amazed by the natural beauty while reliving your favorite movie scenes. Don an LOTR costume and sword too, if you like.

Explore Fiordland National Park's Doubtful Sound on this full-day cruise from Manapouri. Enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri, then a short coach journey over Wilmot Pass, with stunning views. Cruise the 25-mile (40-kilometer) stretch of Doubtful Sound, looking out for fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins while listening to your naturalist guide’s commentary. A highlight is when the engines are cut so you can appreciate the silence.

Experience heart-racing fun on an exhilarating Queenstown jet-boat ride. The expert captain races across Lake Wakatipu, navigates tricky turns on the Kawarau River, and speeds through the shallow waters of the Shotover River. Grab hold of your seat as the jet boat makes 360-degree spins and fishtails on a rollercoaster ride over the water.

Unwind and reconnect with nature during a rejuvenating sauna and ice bath session beside the tranquil Kawarau River in Queenstown. Choose between a vibrant community session for 75 minutes, where you can mingle with like-minded individuals, or opt for a private 2.5-hour experience that includes guided sauna rounds. Feel the stress release as you transition from the warm, wood-fired sauna to invigorating cold plunges in the river or ice bath. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, enjoy herbal tea and the warmth of a fire pit, creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and connection.

Watershed’s private sauna experience takes place on a floating pontoon on Lake Whakatipu, with uninterrupted views of the surrounding alpine landscape. Enjoy exclusive use of your own sauna, deck and plunge pool, allowing privacy and flexibility throughout the session. Located just minutes walk from central Queenstown, it offers a rare combination of seclusion, scenery and easy access that sets it apart from traditional land-based spas.

Treat yourself to a little “me” time during a massage of your choice in Queenstown. Step inside the massage center solo, or bring your special someone along for a romantic experience together. Choose from a range of treatments such as deep tissue, maternity, and hot stone massages, or reflexology. Take a break from your busy travel schedule or recover after skiing or hiking adventures in Queenstown.

Immerse yourself in tranquility with a sauna and ice bath session by the beautiful Kawarau River in Queenstown. Choose between a communal session to connect with others or a private experience featuring guided sauna rounds and breathwork during the cold plunge. Enjoy 75 minutes in the public session or have a private session with 75 minute and 2.5 hour options. Unwind in our traditional wood-fired barrel sauna with temperatures reaching up to 100 degrees celsius, then cool off in the river or an ice bath. Surrounded by stunning views, this experience promotes mindfulness and recovery, complemented by a cozy fire pit and herbal tea.

Enjoy mountain and lake views from a different angle when you cruise from Queenstown aboard the vintage “TSS Earnslaw” steamship or the modern “Spirit of Queenstown” catamaran across Lake Wakatipu to the Walter Peak High Country Farm. Refuel with a gourmet barbecue lunch featuring Central Otago specialties, salads, desserts, and local cheeses at the Colonel’s Homestead. Learn about local rural life during sheep-shearing and sheepdog demonstrations at the farm.

Taste your way through the Gibbston Valley wines on a wine tour from Queenstown that includes wine tastings. Sampling a variety of Gibbston Valley wines ensures you a great overview of local flavors, and round-trip transport from central Queenstown means you can enjoy each tasting without worrying about driving at the end of the day.

Fiordland is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful destinations, but self-driving through the landscape of snow-capped mountains, towering waterfalls, and emerald greenery can be challenging—and distracting. Eliminate the hassle when you travel with a small group by coach from Queenstown. Pass Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake, and enter the hand-carved Homer Tunnel on your way to Milford Sound, where you relax on a scenic nature cruise.

There’s fun and relaxation for all ages in the Discovery Pools: • Float the lazy river 36 °C • Discover the stars of Matariki in our cave 37 °C • Brave the cold plunge • Leap into the jump pool • Enjoy the Aqua Play Zone • Relax and enjoy mountain views from the observation pools

- Immerse yourself in nature as you soak your muscles in a solar-warmed hot pool - Sit back and relax as you enjoy views of the Southern Alps - Treat yourself to a beverage or local fare from the swim-up bar - Relax in the quiet of the Tranquility Pools and enjoy an adult-only experience - Explore the Tranquility Pools in comfort with a complimentary robe and towel

Travel Recovery Head Spa in Christchurch Overview / Description: This session begins with a slow, therapeutic head massage that stimulates circulation, soothes the nervous system, and eases fatigue caused by travel, stress, or sleeplessness. Drawing from traditional Chinese wellness practices, the treatment also includes gentle pressure point work to help restore energy flow throughout the body. In addition to relaxation, this experience incorporates a nourishing hair care ritual using herbal-infused oils and warm towel compression. Your scalp and hair are cared for with natural ingredients to leave you feeling refreshed, both inside and out. Highlights: 75-minute full head spa treatment Extended therapeutic head massage with pressure point focus Herbal oil nourishment for scalp and hair Warm towel wrap for deep absorption and comfort Relaxing tea service included after the session English-speaking therapist in a private room

Experience traditional Chinese healing in the heart of Christchurch with this 60-minute Gua Sha Facial — a rare opportunity to enjoy ancient beauty therapy in a modern wellness setting. Unlike standard facials, this immersive ritual uses natural stone tools to gently stimulate circulation and promote lymphatic drainage, helping to de-puff, detoxify, and rejuvenate your skin without chemicals. Perfect for wellness seekers, or those recovering from long travel, this experience combines cultural authenticity with expert care. It’s not just a treatment — it’s a calming ritual for both skin and spirit.