Place · 1.5 mi away
Overview
Sunshine Bay is a mellow pocket of shoreline on Lake Wakatipu that locals slip to when Queenstown Beach feels hectic. Expect a sunny shingle beach, clear (and brisk) water, and long views to the Remarkables with boats gliding past. It’s simple, scenic, and a welcome exhale without leaving town.
What You’ll See
From the beach and small jetty/boat‑ramp area you get broad lake-and-peak panoramas. On the Sunshine Bay Track, short side-stops like Two Mile Creek Falls and the bench at Gilly’s Point break up the walk with easy photo perches and skyline views back toward Queenstown.
The Sunshine Bay Track
- Distance/time: about 4 km return, roughly 1 hour nonstop—allow longer for swims and photos.
- Terrain/difficulty: easy, undulating lakeside singletrack with modest elevation.
- Starts/Access: signed trailhead just past the Fernhill roundabout on the Glenorchy–Queenstown Road; you can also drive straight to the beach and stroll parts of the track from there. Walking from town is doable (about 20 minutes to the trailhead).
- Highlights: Two Mile Creek Falls a few minutes in, and Gilly’s Point for classic lake vistas (watch for the steamship chugging by).
Amenities & Logistics
There’s a bathroom by the bay near the boat‑ramp/jetty, a few benches, and a small parking pocket. That’s it—no cafés or shops—so pack water and snacks. Parking at One Mile Car Park near the Queenstown end and limited pull‑offs by the trailhead are backups, but spaces go early on busy days.
Swimming & On‑Water Fun
The water is gemstone‑clear and refreshing; most people call it cold year‑round. Sunshine Bay is a friendly spot for a quick dip or a stand‑up paddle, especially when the lake is calm.
Wildlife & Care for the Place
Pest traps maintained by the Department of Conservation are active along the track to protect native species—keep dogs leashed and noses out of the boxes. Stay on the formed path where the track edges along low cliffs and drop‑offs.
Best Time to Visit
- Weekdays or mornings are your friend—summer afternoons draw more picnickers and swimmers, and parking gets tight.
- For photos, late afternoon light softens the lake and the Remarkables; turning back toward Queenstown along the track opens the best skyline views.
- After rain the path can be muddy; choose grippier shoes.
Pair It With
If you’re road‑tripping the Glenorchy road, Sunshine Bay makes an easy opener before bigger stops like Bob’s Cove or Moke Lake later in the day.
Pros
- Quiet shingle beach with big mountain-and-lake views
- Easy lakeside track with viewpoints, pier, and a bathroom
Cons
- Small parking area fills at busy times
- No shops on site—bring what you need
Tips
- Arrive before late morning on summer days to snag a parking spot.
- Bring water and a picnic—there are no food or shop options at the bay.
- Pack a towel and warm layers; the lake stays cold even on sunny days.
- If walking from town, be alert on the short roadside shoulder near One Mile.
- Keep dogs leashed—pest traps are active along the track.
