As far as location goes, Shooters has a premo spot. Located right across from Lake Wanaka, it’s your best bet to grab a post-ski drink and watch the sun sink into the mountains. They have an outdoor patio and, like most of the pubs in town, a large fireplace to cozy up to.
For your nighttime adventures, it depends on what you are after. Shooters seems to sport a younger crowd and have an impersonal feel to it. They do have a large dance floor and play Top 40 and hip-hop. They also have several big screens and show most of the sporting events. And, of course, they have pool tables.
Drinks are reasonably priced at around NZ$4 for a pint of tap beer, while mixed drinks will run you around NZ$5. (And don't forget that the standard is a double shot of 30ml.) Try happy hour for cheaper jugs and pints.