Godley Head & Lyttleton Private Walking Tour
Godley Head is an exciting and wild place at the far end of the Port Hills overlooking Lyttleton Harbour and Christchurch. On this unforgettable private day tour, you can expect uninterrupted and spectacular views of Lyttelton Harbour, Christchurch and beyond. The area is rich in history and scattered with remnants of New Zealand’s World War II defences. This is a must-do location for anyone visiting Christchurch. Join us and explore this unique and unforgettable area with one of our friendly local guides.
Godley Head Tour Highlights
- Visit Lyttelton Port
- Stroll through Taylors Mistake Beach
- Watch surfers from Sumner Beach
- Visit a White-flippered penguin colony
- Explore Godley Head’s WWII defences
- Capture the stunning coastal scenery
- Local tour guide
- A/C Transport
- Private small-group tour
Private Walking Tour Itinerary
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 largest port on the South Island. You will have time to look around this quirky little town before we drive up the newly restored Evans 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 spot a pod of dolphins or a rare White-flippered penguin along the coast. A bit further along are the charming historical baches (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 WWII 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.
After lunch, you will have some free time to explore the local area and visit some of the old buildings and World War II defences. As the track departs Godley Head, there is an excellent photo opportunity at Observation Battery No. 2. Leaving the Godley Head WWII 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 and Redcliffs.
– Track grade: Easy – Moderate fitness required, 3-4 hrs of walking time.
– Walking distance: 6-9 km (flexible depending on group ability)
– Total elevation gain: 380-440 m
Godley Head Private Tour FAQ’S
What time does the Godley Head tour start?
We will collect you at 8:30 a.m. from your accommodation or one of the meeting points listed below.
What time does the Godley Head tour end?
We aim to be back in Christchurch between 4:00 and 4:30 pm.
Is lunch included?
Yes, this tour includes morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea.
Is transport included?
Yes, transport is included in this tour.
Is the trip family-friendly?
Yes, this is a family-friendly trip.
How challenging is the walk?
The walk is approximately 8 km (4.9 Mi) on well-formed tracks and takes most groups 3-4 hours to complete.
Are there minimum numbers?
There is no minimum number required for Private tours.
How far in advance do I need to book?
Bookings must be completed by the day before; however, we recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance.
Where are the meeting points?
- Directly from your hotel – any accommodation within 3.5 km of Christchurch city centre – See on Google maps
- Citizens’ War Memorial, Cathedral Square – See on Google maps
- Zeroes Cafe (free all-day parking) – See on Google maps
- Lyttelton Port (for shore excursions) – See on Google maps
