Experience the spectacular scenery of Godley Head on a full-day guided coastal hike designed for cruise ship guests visiting Lyttelton Port. Meet your local guide at the port before travelling to the seaside suburb of Sumner in a 12 seater van, where you'll enjoy hot drinks overlooking the ocean.
A short drive brings you to Taylors Mistake Beach, where your walk begins along a beautiful coastal track. Set within an ancient extinct volcano, the 8-10 km (5-6 mile) loop track takes in restored WWII gun emplacements, Scott's Cabin, and panoramic views across the Pacific Ocean, Pegasus Bay, Lyttelton Harbour, and the Southern Alps.
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 area's history, wildlife, and volcanic landscape. With approximately 3.5 hours of walking, this small-group experience offers a relaxed pace and plenty of time to enjoy the scenery before returning to Lyttelton Port.
Get the free shuttle bus from the ship to Norwich Quay (5 minutes drive), where your guide will be waiting opposite Canterbury Street with a sign.
After meeting your guide at Lyttelton Port, you will be transported in a 12-seater van to Sumner Beach (approximately 10 minutes drive), where you will enjoy a hot drink on the deck of a seaside cafe overlooking the ocean and Cave Rock. This is a beautiful landmark and a great start to the day.
Your next stop is Taylors Mistake beach (10 minutes drive), a beautiful black sand surf beach, with quaint little baches. Here your guide will hand out backpacks, poles, lunch, water bottles, and snacks, and prepare you for the walk.
The next three hours will be spent walking Godley Head Loop Track, undoubtedly one of Christchurch's most beautiful hikes. The track is undulating and well-maintained. Sights include Scott's Hutt (an Antarctic Cabin), WW2 Gun emplacements, a penguin colony, and coastal views in all directions. Picnic lunch will be enjoyed at a remote beach along the way with historic cabins, where we often encounter wildlife such as seals, dolphins, and many birds. Your walk returns to Taylors Mistake Beach.
Upon completion of your walk, your guide will drop you back to Lyttelton Port. Alternatively, if time allows, you can request to be dropped into Christchurch City to explore, and then make your own way back to Port.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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