
Godley Head Walkway
Stunning coastal walkway with panoramic views, abundant wildlife, and historical remnants. Perfect for a scenic hike.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best views and light

Godley Head Walkway
Best Time
Best views and light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stunning coastal walkway with panoramic views, abundant wildlife, and historical remnants. Perfect for a scenic hike.
"You will be rewarded with views they are hard to top in Christchurch."

👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The track has some inclines and uneven terrain. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for this scenic loop.
📸 Camera ready!
The views are spectacular! Allow extra time for photo stops to capture the stunning coastal scenery.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Coastal Views
Breathtaking vistas of the Canterbury coastline, Pegasus Bay, and the Southern Alps. Unforgettable scenery.

Seal Colony Spotting
Keep an eye out for New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks below. A thrilling wildlife encounter.

Lambing Season Delights
During spring, the hillsides are dotted with playful lambs. A charming and picturesque sight.

Historic Remnants
Discover remnants of military history, including old gun emplacements, adding a unique layer to your walk.
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Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Views & Wildlife
Trail Variety & Access
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Insider Tips
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Godley Heads...
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The track has some inclines and uneven terrain. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for this scenic loop.
📸 Camera ready!
The views are spectacular! Allow extra time for photo stops to capture the stunning coastal scenery.
Hiking from Sumner to Lyttelton around Godley Head
What’s the best way to get to the Godley Head loop track from the City?
💧 Bring water & snacks
While there are some facilities, it's wise to carry your own refreshments for the walk.
🚗 Drive carefully
Access roads can be narrow and windy, especially the residential road. Consider alternatives if in a large vehicle.
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Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The track has some inclines and uneven terrain. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for this scenic loop.
📸 Camera ready!
The views are spectacular! Allow extra time for photo stops to capture the stunning coastal scenery.
💧 Bring water & snacks
While there are some facilities, it's wise to carry your own refreshments for the walk.
🚗 Drive carefully
Access roads can be narrow and windy, especially the residential road. Consider alternatives if in a large vehicle.
🐶 Dog-friendly (on leash)
Many visitors enjoy walking their dogs here, but ensure they are kept on a leash.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning coastal views and abundant wildlife, particularly seals and lambs. The loop track is praised for being manageable for most fitness levels, though some note brief steep sections. The convenience of facilities like toilets and picnic areas is also a plus, though driving access can be challenging for larger vehicles.
"Such a good walk. Relatively easy going, only some fairly hilly part, but the majority reasonably flat. Great views and lots of wildlife. Saw lots of sheep, lambs and a couple of seals on our walk. Def recommend."
Shaun B
"If you’re unsure about doing the Awaroa/Godley Head Loop Track, this is your sign to do it. There are stretches of steep incline, but they are brief. You will be rewarded with views they are hard to top in Christchurch. It’s just you, nature and your thoughts out there. Allow 2.5 hours to complete the loop, based on moderate fitness and plenty of photo stops! If you visit during lambing season you will spot many cute faces."
Lina Bui
"One of my favourite places to go walking! The views are so beautiful! The walk is really nice and easy to turn around! Theres a cute village on the side track that you can visit within some bush which is so nice to go to! There’s a number of maps, toilets, rubbish bins and drinking fountains! There’s even a biking track, but am yet to try! I love exploring here and the fact that it is next to Taylor’s mistake beach is so nice so you can walk and then go for a dip in the ocean! Theres also a playground and picnic tables next to the car park as well as changing rooms and showers! I can’t wait to come here again!"
Katharina Kammerer
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive to the Godley Head Walkway. The most common access point is via a car park near the start of the loop. Be aware that some access roads are narrow and winding, so drive carefully, especially if you're in a larger vehicle. Alternatively, you can start from Sumner and hike towards the walkway.
Yes, it's possible to hike from Sumner towards Godley Head. Some visitors even combine this with the loop or continue on to Lyttelton. Google Maps can help plan routes, but be prepared for varied terrain.
Yes, there is a car park available at the start of the Godley Head Loop Track, which is convenient for accessing the walkway.
The residential road leading to Godley Head can be steep, narrow, and windy. It's advisable to drive cautiously and consider if your vehicle is suitable.
Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of Godley Head are limited. Driving or cycling are the most common ways to reach the trailhead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Godley Head Walkway is a public reserve and is free to access. You don't need to purchase any tickets to enjoy the trails and views.
The Godley Head Walkway is accessible at all times, as it's an outdoor public space. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and the best experience.
No booking is required. As it's a public walking track, you can visit anytime without prior reservation.
The main restriction is to respect the natural environment and wildlife. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
The loop track is generally open year-round. However, it's always a good idea to check local conditions or weather forecasts, especially after heavy rain or during extreme weather events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Godley Head Loop Track typically takes around 2.5 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level and how often you stop for photos.
The walkway is generally considered easy to moderate. There are some brief, steep inclines, but the majority of the path is relatively flat and well-maintained. It's suitable for beginners.
You can often spot New Zealand fur seals on the rocks below, as well as numerous sheep and lambs, especially during lambing season in spring.
Yes, there are toilets, rubbish bins, and drinking fountains available near the car park. There are also picnic tables and changing rooms/showers.
Absolutely! You can extend your walk to Lyttelton or explore the nearby Taylor's Mistake beach. There are various track combinations possible.
📸 📸 Photography
For photography, aim for sunny days for clear, expansive views. Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light, creating dramatic landscapes and enhancing wildlife shots.
The viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the coastline and bays are prime photography locations. Don't miss opportunities to capture seals on the rocks and the charming lambs in spring.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient to capture the beauty of Godley Head. However, a zoom lens can be helpful for getting closer shots of wildlife like seals.
There are no specific photography restrictions, but always be mindful of the environment and wildlife. Avoid disturbing seals or nesting birds.
Expect stunning landscape shots of the coastline, ocean, and distant mountains. You can also capture wildlife, historical remnants, and the charming rural scenery with sheep.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Near the car park, you'll find picnic tables, a playground, and even changing rooms and showers, making it convenient for a family outing. Remember to bring plenty of snacks and water, and ensure children stay on the marked paths and away from cliff edges.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Dog Walkers
The ability to easily turn back or choose shorter routes provides flexibility for solo travelers. The stunning views also offer a great backdrop for personal reflection or simply enjoying nature's grandeur.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the wildlife, from the seals on the rocks to the lambs in the fields. The historical military remnants also provide unique photographic subjects. A zoom lens can be beneficial for wildlife shots, but a standard camera or smartphone will capture the essence of this beautiful location.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Godley Head Loop Track
Along the loop, you'll encounter historical remnants of the area's military past, including old gun emplacements, which add a unique dimension to the walk. The wildlife viewing opportunities are a major draw; keep a keen eye out for New Zealand fur seals lounging on the rocks below and, during spring, the adorable lambs frolicking in the paddocks.
For those looking to extend their adventure, the Godley Head Loop can be integrated into longer walks. It's possible to hike from Sumner to Lyttelton, incorporating parts of the Godley Head trails. This flexibility makes it a versatile destination for various hiking preferences.
Wildlife Encounters at Godley Head
During the spring months, the hillsides surrounding the walkway become a nursery for countless sheep and lambs. Witnessing their playful antics adds a charming, pastoral element to the coastal scenery. Remember that these are working farmlands, so stick to the marked paths to avoid disturbing the livestock.
Beyond seals and sheep, the area is also a haven for various seabirds. While not as prominent as the seals, birdwatchers might spot gulls, shags, and other coastal species. The diverse ecosystem makes Godley Head a rewarding destination for nature enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
Access and Driving Considerations
An alternative approach involves driving up Evans Pass, which offers beautiful scenery and leads to a wider road access point to the car park. For those who prefer to avoid the challenging drive altogether, starting the walk from Sumner is a viable option. This allows you to experience the coastal path without navigating the trickier roads.
It's also worth noting that the area is popular with surfers heading to nearby Taylor's Mistake beach, so be mindful of other traffic. Planning your route and being prepared for the road conditions will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable visit to Godley Head.
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