Sunshine Bay

Queenstown

Sunshine Bay which includes forests, a small town or village and mountains
Sunshine Bay which includes mountains, a sunset and a lake or waterhole
Sunshine Bay
Photo by Tawfeeq Zain Al-Aberdeen
Photo by Shelley Marie

Go for a scenic walk along the shores of Lake Wakatipu in this peaceful suburb in the foothills of Ben Lomond, one of Queenstown’s most iconic mountains.

Take a break from Queenstown’s energetic tourist centre to visit Sunshine Bay. This quiet suburb is on the edge of the city, set back from the banks of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by rugged mountain peaks. Discover its natural beauty by following walking trails, biking routes and scenic roads that cut through the suburb before stretching along the lake’s shore.

Stroll along the Sunshine Bay Walking Track, a trail that skirts the waterfront amid an area of alpine woodland. Follow the paths that lead from the track to reach a small beach on the lake. Sit on the sand and marvel at mountaintops, including Cecil Peak and Walter Peak, which rise up from the opposite side of the lake. Watch as the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamboat cruises past and look for jet boats passing at high speeds. Spot adventurous travellers drifting down from the mountains on paragliding tours.

About 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) to the east of the suburb the track meets with Lake Esplanade. Continue on this path or walk on its adjacent beach to Queenstown’s Main Pier. Here you can arrange jet boat tours on the lake and rent kayaks, paddleboats and stand-up paddleboards to explore the water at your own pace. Next to the pier is Queenstown Beach, a great spot for sunbathing, swimming and admiring the views.

Rent a bike or car from Queenstown’s town centre and travel west along the undulating scenic road. A 40-minute drive away is the town of Glenorchy, where trails depart for the Fiordland National Park and Mount Aspiring National Park. Pick up trail maps from the Glenorchy Information Centre. Water sports are also possible from the town’s marina.

In Sunshine Bay you can stay overnight at boutique hotels, guesthouses and luxury villas. With easy access to Queenstown’s main attractions, the suburb provides a good alternative to the busier town centre accommodation.

Public buses operate throughout the day between Sunshine Bay and Queenstown, with connections to Queenstown Airport. The walk from the suburb to the town centre takes around 45 minutes.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Sunshine Bay

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG

4 out of 5
CNR STANLEY AND SYDNEY STREET, Queenstown
The price is P8,589 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
P8,589
P9,878 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Great location into town, apart from steep hill but it gets easier every day! Rooms are big and spacious. Bed is comfy. Shower and bathroom a good space. Foyer area great. They also have a dry room to store snow gear which was handy"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

4 out of 5
88 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is P8,799 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P8,799
P10,118 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Lovely view, lovely staff, free parking available, and short walk into town. Shower pressure a bit low."

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown

4 out of 5
16 - 18 Mountain Ash Drive, Remarkables Park, Queenstown
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,818 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P5,818
P6,691 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star ski aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a ski shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,270 reviews)
"Clean and new building. Friendly staff but a few minutes to walk to any amenities like food"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
Kamana Lakehouse

Kamana Lakehouse

4.5 out of 5
139 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
The price is P10,624 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
P10,624
P12,218 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (469 reviews)
"Gorgeous stay in Queenstown nz"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Kamana Lakehouse
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

4 out of 5
24 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is P6,823 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
P6,823
P7,847 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Above and beyond"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown

5 out of 5
110 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,781 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P7,781
P8,948 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,370 reviews)
"Stunning view."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Sunshine Bay

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Fernhill

Fernhill is well-regarded for its captivating mountain views, ample dining options, and fantastic lake views, and you might also want to make a stop by Lake Wakatipu, a top sight in the neighborhood.

Fernhill
Queenstown Beach featuring a pebble beach, parachuting and a lake or waterhole

Queenstown City Centre

The panoramic lake views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Queenstown City Centre. Make a stop by Skycity Queenstown Casino or Queenstown Mall while you're exploring the area.

Queenstown City Centre
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Boydtown

Though Boydtown might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Skyline Queenstown and Kiwi and Birdlife Park.

Boydtown
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Goldfield Heights

While there might not be top attractions in Goldfield Heights, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Queenstown Mall and Skycity Queenstown Casino.

Goldfield Heights
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Frankton

Frankton is known for its lake views, and you can plan a trip to Queenstown Event Centre and Remarkables Park Town Centre while you're in town.

Frankton

Sunshine Bay