If you search #queenstownsunset, you’ll find some truly stunning images captured by amateur and professional photographers alike. One of the best parts about a Queenstown sunset is you don’t need a digital camera or a special filter to enjoy the striking natural beauty of this place. Here is a round-up of some of the best and most exclusive spots to enjoy the sunset in Queenstown.
1. Coronet Peak
Located among the ski fields of Queenstown, Coronet Peak is one of the best spots to capture a summer sunset. The views are just as striking in winter, but during this icy season, you’ll need to ensure that you have car chains and know how to use them. This ski terrain is steep in places, though it ultimately rewards you with incredible views of The Remarkables, Lake Hayes, and Lake Wakatipu. Here, you can admire the setting sun’s blue, orange, and yellow hues as you watch its rays saturate the Wakatipu Basin.
2. Queenstown Lake Front
The Queenstown lakefront is one of the most easily accessible sunset viewpoints and the reward far outweighs the effort. See the lake illuminated with the warm pink and orange hues of a setting sun, perfectly framed with a rugged mountainous backdrop. And as darkness arrives, you can enjoy the twinkling lights of the township rippling through the surface of the water.
3. Lake Hayes
Beautiful reflections and a peaceful setting are what you’re likely to find during sunset at Lake Hayes. Park your car and sneak in the Lake Hayes Loop Track. This fantastic 8km loop is a great prelude to settling in on the lake’s edge and watching the sunset.
4. Kelvin Heights
Kelvin Heights is a prime spot for walking, running, swimming and boating. The Kelvin Heights peninsula winds around the lake and the golf course with beautiful views in every direction. Find a spot on the Kelvin Heights lakefront, facing the the Remarkables, and soak up the sunset ambience. This vantage point is a unique place to watch the sunset in Queenstown and could be considered the little sister to the Queenstown lakefront. It’ll be quiet, secluded and stunning.
5. Bob’s Peak
Bob’s Peak offers the quintessential Queenstown sunset outlook. This is the top of the Skyline Gondola, with viewing platforms perfectly positioned to show off views of the town, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables. Cruise up on the Gondola, or hike the Tiki Trail to get here!
6. Frankton Beach
Frankton Beach offers the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset in Queenstown at the northeast end of Lake Wakatipu. A sunset dip in the lake may be too much to ask for this alpine area surrounded by snowy peaks, but wrap up warm on the water’s edge for the ultimate evening in Queenstown.
7. Bennett’s Bluff
Heading to Bennett’s Bluff for sunset in Queenstown has the added advantage of a very scenic drive. Drive from Queenstown along the road to Glenorchy, and park up at the Bennett’s Bluff car park. Here you’ll enjoy views further down Lake Wakatipu and out to Pig Island and Pigeon Island. The mountains frame the view and the winding road to Glenorchy makes this one of the most picturesque spots to watch the sunset in Queenstown.
8. The Remarkables
The Remarkables is the ideal vantage point to watch the colour set over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. In summer, the drive up the mountain is accessible and there are plenty of pull-in viewing areas. In winter when The Remarkables Ski Area is open until 4 pm and the sun is setting between 5 – 5.30 pm. The Remarkables mountain range is clearly visible from almost everywhere in Queenstown, and driving up, even just a little bit, to get a peak from the other direction is certainly worth it.
9. Cecil Peak
Thanks to Queenstown’s mountainous surrounds, several elevated pathways offer stunning panoramic landscapes and the perfect venue to enjoy a sunset in Queenstown. Cecil Peak remains one of the less prominent, though it provides some spectacular views. Enjoying the sunset from Cecil Peak requires a little more effort as you’ll have to catch a water taxi across the lake before embarking on a full day’s hike to the summit. Still, if you enjoy an adventure, this destination is more exclusive than some of the more popular destinations in the area.
10. Moke Lake
Just a 20-minute drive out of Queenstown is Moke Lake. This beautiful, mountainous setting puts on one of the best shows during sunset in Queenstown. It’s a fantastic hideaway from the bustling township, with walking tracks, horse riding and a campground. Some of the best sunset images in Queenstown are taken out at Moke Lake!
