Sunshine Bay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Sunshine Bay showing forest scenes, mountains and a small town or village
Sunshine Bay which includes mountains, a lake or waterhole and a sunset
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

Activities


Our pick of the best Sunshine Bay Hotel Deals

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
4 out of 5
88 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is NZ$312 per night from 29 July to 30 July
NZ$312
29 July - 30 July
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)
"Apartment was great. Very spacious and warm with amazing vies of the lake ans mountains."

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown
Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown
4.5 out of 5
91 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
The price is NZ$299 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$299
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Beautiful scenery nice rooms"

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
4 out of 5
24 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is NZ$323 per night from 28 July to 29 July
NZ$323
28 July - 29 July
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! (1,005 reviews)
Calm and chill at queenstown
"Amazing location, friendly staff and lovely views. The cococabana cafe was yums, the pizza is to die for. Book your parking slots before your travel for ease of mind"

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
Kamana Lakehouse
Kamana Lakehouse
4.5 out of 5
139 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
The price is NZ$423 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$423
13 July - 14 July
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! (459 reviews)
"Highlight was the food and bath soak, I will be back!!"

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

Kamana Lakehouse
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 NZ$323 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$323
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Wonderful property. Great location. Lovely customer service from Shay on arrival. Great staff all around. Great breakfast. Our daughter loved the kids club facilities and movie night program. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 2 Jul. 2025

Holiday Inn Express And Suites Queenstown by IHG
Sherwood Queenstown
Sherwood Queenstown
4 out of 5
554 Frankton Road, Goldfield Heights, Queenstown
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$217 per night from 30 July to 31 July
NZ$217
30 July - 31 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (875 reviews)
"Love the character of the room, nicely decorated with an earthy feel . Our best stay so far in NZ."

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Sherwood 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 neighbourhood.

Fernhill
Queenstown Beach showing a pebble beach, skydiving and a small town or village

Queenstown City Centre

5/5(1 area review)

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

When in Boydtown, you can plan a visit to Skyline Queenstown and Kiwi and Birdlife Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Boydtown
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Goldfield Heights

Though Goldfield Heights may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Queenstown Mall and Skycity Queenstown Casino.

Goldfield Heights
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Frankton

4.5/5(218 area reviews)

Frankton is known for its fantastic lake views, and you can make a stop by Queenstown Event Centre and Lake Wakatipu while in the area.

Frankton


Sunshine Bay Travel Guide

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