Relax on the peaceful Sunshine Bay Beach
Queenstown, New Zealand • 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Jun
6°C – 17°C, january in queenstown offers mild temperatures with average highs around 16, high crowds, peak season
6°C – 17°C, january in queenstown offers mild temperatures with average highs around 16, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Beach access may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Beach access may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Value for money
High
Free access and stunning views offer great value.
Free access and stunning views offer great value.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Stunning Scenery
Couples loved the views of the lake and mountains. Perfect for a romantic walk.
Peaceful Escape
Visitors felt it was a tranquil spot for couples. Great for relaxation.
Scenic Walks
Couples enjoyed the Sunshine Bay Track. Easy walk, beautiful vistas!
Traffic Noise
Some couples noted occasional traffic noise from the nearby road.
Pebbly Shore
The pebbly shore might not be ideal for comfortable sunbathing for some.
Cold Water
Travelers found the lake water too cold for swimming, especially in winter.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
open - open
Tuesday
open - open
Wednesday
open - open
Thursday
open - open
Friday
open - open
Saturday
open - open
Sunday
open - open
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Embark on a hike to the serene Sunshine Bay Beach.
Explore the biking trails of Sunshine Bay Beach in this captivating video
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
MEDIUM
8-20°C
Warm temperatures with a 35% chance of rain.
Warm temperatures with a 35% chance of rain.
Open
Popular activities may require advance booking due to increasing demand.
Popular activities may require advance booking due to increasing demand.
Recommended
December marks the start of summer with warm temperatures and longer daylight hours. It's a great time to enjoy outdoor activities, though some may be in higher demand as the holiday season approaches.
December marks the start of summer with warm temperatures and longer daylight hours. It's a great time to enjoy outdoor activities, though some may be in higher demand as the holiday season approaches.
January
HIGH
6-17°C
January in Queenstown offers mild temperatures with average highs around 16.6°C and lows of 6.4°C. The month experiences approximately 18.2 days of rainfall, totaling 59mm, and enjoys about 9.6 hours of sunshine daily.
January in Queenstown offers mild temperatures with average highs around 16.6°C and lows of 6.4°C. The month experiences approximately 18.2 days of rainfall, totaling 59mm, and enjoys about 9.6 hours of sunshine daily.
Open
Due to high demand, accommodations and activities may require advance booking.
Due to high demand, accommodations and activities may require advance booking.
Recommended
January is a popular time to visit Queenstown, offering warm summer weather ideal for outdoor activities. However, it's also the peak tourist season, resulting in higher prices and crowded attractions. Booking accommodations and activities in advance is recommended.
January is a popular time to visit Queenstown, offering warm summer weather ideal for outdoor activities. However, it's also the peak tourist season, resulting in higher prices and crowded attractions. Booking accommodations and activities in advance is recommended.
February
MEDIUM
9-28°C
February continues the summer season with temperatures ranging from 9.0°C to 28.0°C. The month typically has around 6 days of rainfall, making it relatively dry and suitable for outdoor activities.
February continues the summer season with temperatures ranging from 9.0°C to 28.0°C. The month typically has around 6 days of rainfall, making it relatively dry and suitable for outdoor activities.
Open
Popular accommodations and activities may still require advance booking due to ongoing demand.
Popular accommodations and activities may still require advance booking due to ongoing demand.
Recommended
February offers warm temperatures and relatively dry conditions, making it a favorable time for outdoor activities. While still within the peak season, the slight decrease in crowds compared to January can provide a more relaxed experience.
February offers warm temperatures and relatively dry conditions, making it a favorable time for outdoor activities. While still within the peak season, the slight decrease in crowds compared to January can provide a more relaxed experience.
March
LOW
7-25°C
March marks the beginning of autumn with temperatures ranging from 7.0°C to 25.0°C. The month experiences around 7 days of rainfall, offering a mix of sunny and overcast days.
March marks the beginning of autumn with temperatures ranging from 7.0°C to 25.0°C. The month experiences around 7 days of rainfall, offering a mix of sunny and overcast days.
Open
With fewer tourists, accommodations and activities are more readily available, often at reduced prices.
With fewer tourists, accommodations and activities are more readily available, often at reduced prices.
Recommended
March offers pleasant autumn weather with fewer crowds and more affordable prices. It's an excellent time to enjoy outdoor activities and experience the natural beauty of Queenstown without the peak season hustle.
March offers pleasant autumn weather with fewer crowds and more affordable prices. It's an excellent time to enjoy outdoor activities and experience the natural beauty of Queenstown without the peak season hustle.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Taxi
Recommended
Walking
Recommended
Bike
Car
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required