Godley Head walking tour- Start/finish Christchurch

Getting there – A Scenic Drive

Driving east from Christchurch City, we pass through local suburbs and industrial areas before heading through New Zealand’s 2nd longest road tunnel to Lyttelton. Also known as “the gateway to Christchurch,” this charming and historic port township is the South Islands’ largest port. You will have time to have a look around this quirky little town before we drive up the newly restored Gebbies Pass road. A scenic lookout at the top of the pass gives impressive views of Lyttelton Harbour and the coastal suburb of Sumner, where we stop for morning tea.  A short drive from Sumner is a beach called Taylors Mistake, one of Christchurch’s hidden gems. Our walk starts and finishes at Taylor’s Mistake.

Walking Tour – Godley Head / Awaroa

Leaving Taylors Mistake beach, we head east on a well-established walking track that follows the rugged coastline above massive sea cliffs. If you’re lucky you might even spot a pod of dolphins or a rare White Flippered Pengwin along the coast. A bit further along are the charming historical batches (small beach houses) nestled into the rocks at Boulder Bay. Godley head is a short steep walk up from Boulder Bay and a lovely spot for our picnic lunch. Scattered with WW2 remnants, including bunkers, gun emplacements, and old military buildings, it’s a fascinating and very scenic place for a few photos and a picnic lunch.

Godley Head / Awaroa Walking Tour continued

After lunch, you will have some free time to explore the local area and visit some of the old buildings and  WW2 defences. As the track departs Godley Head, there is an excellent photo opportunity at observation battery no. 2. Leaving the Godley Head WW2 relics behind, we continue west along the tracks that overlook Lyttelton Harbour & Quail Island. It’s a relatively quick descent back down to the beach at Taylor’s Mistake and our awaiting vehicle. On the drive back into Christchurch city, we take an alternative route passing through the coastal suburbs of  Sumner village & Redcliffs.