Godley Head: Christchurch's Hidden Gem of a Walk

Many visitors to Christchurch end up missing some of the best that the city has to offer, as they are often impatient to set off on their road trips to explore the rest of the South Island. However, there are some absolute gems immediately around Christchurch itself, so it’s worth hanging around for a bit! My favourite walk from Christchurch is the Godley Head Loop Track. The views of the sparkling blue sea and the rugged coastline are breathtaking.

Taylor’s Mistake

The Godley Head Loop Track sets off from Taylor’s Mistake, which is itself an incredibly pretty beach and somewhat quieter than neighbouring Sumner. Sit and have a picnic on the beach and watch the local surfers bobbing out back as they wait for the sets to roll in.

The Walk

From Taylor’s Mistake Beach, you’ll easily find the path leading up to the cliffs, which loops round to Godley Head. The views of the rugged coastline are absolutely stunning and you’ll be surrounded by exotic fauna reminding you that you’re most definitely in the southern hemisphere! On a clear day you’ll be able to see the snow-capped Southern Alps in the distance. The path is well-marked out and easy to follow.

During the walk you’ll walk past several charming ramshackle batches (New Zealand holiday homes), and there are also a few hidden beaches that you can climb down to. When we went we had one to ourselves and just sat on the rocks watching the waves. This is the perfect walk if you’re seeking some chilled vibes and sea air as well as some decent exercise. Once you reach Godley Head itself you’ll find the remains of some WW2 defences. From there you can either work your way back to Taylor’s Mistake the way you came, or join a mountain bike track that loops over the hill back to an earlier bit of the track.

*Exploring the beaches along the Godley Head Loop Track*

Need To Know:

Distance: 8km
Time: 3 hours
How to get there: Drive/bus from Christchurch to Taylor’s Mistake (near Sumner)
Start: Taylor’s Mistake Car Park
Finish: Taylor’s Mistake Car Park (loop track)
Best time of year: all year round

For further information visit the DOC website here.

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