Godley Head Shore Excursion

Experience the spectacular scenery of Godley Head on a full-day guided coastal walk designed exclusively for cruise ship guests visiting Lyttelton Port. This small-group experience combines breathtaking coastal landscapes, fascinating history, native wildlife, and the warm hospitality of a knowledgeable local guide.

After meeting your guide at the port, travel through the seaside suburb of Sumner and enjoy a café stop overlooking the Pacific Ocean before continuing to Taylors Mistake Beach, where the walk begins. Set within the dramatic landscape of an ancient extinct volcano, the scenic loop track follows rugged coastal cliffs and sweeping harbour views, taking in restored WWII gun emplacements, Scott's Cabin, and panoramic vistas across Pegasus Bay, Lyttelton Harbour, and the Southern Alps.

Along the way, enjoy snacks and a gourmet picnic lunch while keeping an eye out for seals, dolphins, and native birdlife. Your guide will share stories of the region's history, wildlife, and volcanic landscape, bringing this remarkable corner of Banks Peninsula to life.

With approximately 9 km of walking and around 3.5 hours on well-formed tracks, this relaxed experience offers plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photographs, and immerse yourself in one of Christchurch's most spectacular coastal environments before returning to Lyttelton Port.​

** Guests with a later ship departure may choose to be dropped in central Christchurch after the walk to explore the city independently before returning to the port by bus or taxi. 

What to expect

• Duration: 6 hours (3.5 hours walking)
  

• Distance: 9 kms / 5.5 miles

• Elevation: 350 metres / 1150 feet

• Level: Easy - Moderate

What the tour includes

• Return transportation from your Christchurch city accommodation
  

• Experienced local guide

• Walking poles

• Day bag to use during the walk

• Stainless steel souvenir drink bottle to keep
  

• Hot drinks at a local café

• Light refreshments, including fresh fruit and trail snacks

• Picnic Lunch

Highlights

• One of Christchurch's most spectacular coastal walks
  

• Breathtaking Pacific Ocean and Lyttelton Harbour views

• Historic WWII gun emplacements

• Scott's Cabin / Antarctica heritage

• Wildlife spotting opportunities, including seals and dolphins

• Lunch at a secluded beach overlooking the ocean

• Small-group guided experience

• Easy walking, well-formed tracks

• 30 minutes from Christchurch