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

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

4 out of 5
88 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is P8,614 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P8,614
P9,906 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
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 P8,201 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
P8,201
P9,431 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
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"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG
Kamana Lakehouse

Kamana Lakehouse

4.5 out of 5
139 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
The price is P9,817 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
P9,817
P11,290 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
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! (476 reviews)
"Friendly, clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Kamana Lakehouse
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
The price is P5,526 per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
P5,526
P6,355 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
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! (1,289 reviews)
"Good clean place, only issue is limited parking"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

4 out of 5
24 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is P7,266 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P7,266
P8,356 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Good location short walk from the centre of town nice views . Beds were great and hotel and staff had a friendly atmosphere."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown

5 out of 5
110 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is P8,700 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P8,700
P10,005 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,378 reviews)
Très belle vue
"Cet hébergement ne mérite pas ses 5 étoiles à part pour la vue qui est magnifique. L'appartement aurait besoin d'être rénové notamment au niveau du mobilier et de la salle de bain avec des joints noirs et pommeau de douche cassé. Les chambres sont mal insonorisées notamment au niveau du bruit de ..."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 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

Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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