Sunshine Bay

Queenstown

Sunshine Bay featuring forests, mountains and a small town or village
Sunshine Bay featuring a sunset, mountains and a lake or waterhole
Sunshine Bay featuring a sunset, a lake or waterhole and mountains
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


Sunshine Bay Hotel Deals

Kamana Lakehouse

Kamana Lakehouse

4.5 out of 5
139 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
The price is ¥27,989 per night from Oct 28 to Oct 29
¥27,989
¥32,187 total
Oct 28 - Oct 29
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! (502 reviews)
The staff was amazing and super friendly, particularly Jamie at the front desk and the breakfast wait staff. We highly recommend this hotel!!

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2025

Kamana Lakehouse
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

4 out of 5
88 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is ¥19,178 per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
¥19,178
¥22,055 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
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! (1,007 reviews)
Property was in an awesome position with excellent views.It maybe a tad dated. but if you don’t mind a little retro feel to your stay then l wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2025

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central

4 out of 5
24 Frankton Road, Queenstown
The price is ¥20,071 per night from Oct 28 to Oct 29
¥20,071
¥23,082 total
Oct 28 - Oct 29
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! (1,026 reviews)
Outstanding lakefront view with a super comfortable bed and pillows. Was about an 8 minute walk to downtown/waterfront but it made for a quiet and peaceful stay. Staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. Cannot recommend this place enough! Good spot for a pick up from most tours.

Reviewed on Oct 20, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central
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 ¥18,508 per night from Oct 31 to Nov 1
¥18,508
¥21,284 total
Oct 31 - Nov 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! (1,333 reviews)
n/a

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2025

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown by IHG

4 out of 5
CNR STANLEY AND SYDNEY STREET, Queenstown
Fully refundable
The price is ¥25,183 per night from Oct 31 to Nov 1
¥25,183
¥28,960 total
Oct 31 - Nov 1
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! (1,000 reviews)
Great hotel and Thai at reception, you couldn't ask for a more friendly, helpful person..

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown by IHG
Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown

Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown

4.5 out of 5
91 Fernhill Road, Queenstown
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥22,514 per night from Oct 31 to Nov 1
¥22,514
¥25,891 total
Oct 31 - Nov 1
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! (1,012 reviews)
Nice and tidy

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2025

Rendezvous Heritage Hotel 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 neighborhoods around Sunshine Bay

Queenstown featuring a sunset, a river or creek and mountains

Fernhill

Nestled on the lower slopes of Ben Lomond mountain, this suburb offers stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and Sunshine Bay. Explore walking and biking tracks, and access Queenstown via a single road.

Fernhill
Queenstown Beach featuring a small town or village, a pebble beach 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
Frankton featuring a small town or village, forests and mountains

Frankton

4/5(42 area reviews)

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