Godley Head Campsite

Image: DOC

Awaroa/Godley Head Campsite

Located in Awaroa/Godley Head and Christchurch area in the Canterbury region

Introduction

Camp in the middle of a WWII defence battery site with great ocean views and a range of scenic walks.

Campsite overview

Access

  • Campervan
  • Car
  • Caravan

Landscape

  • Coastal

Category

  • Category
Scenic

Bookings

  • Bookings

Bookings required

Facilities

  • Non-powered/tent sites
  • Toilets - flush
  • Water from tap - treated, suitable for drinking
  • Wheelchair accessible with assistance
25 non-powered/tent sites

Activities

  • Bird and wildlife watching
  • Mountain biking
  • Walking and tramping

Seasonal restrictions

Fires are not permitted at any time.

Dog access

Dogs on a leash only

About this campsite

Services

  • Caretaker on-site
  • Mobile coverage

Getting there

From the suburb of Sumner in Christchurch, follow Wakefield Ave which later becomes Evans Pass Road for 3.5 km. Turn left onto the Summit Road and follow the winding, sealed road for 6.5 km.

The area can be accessed from Lyttelton via Evans Pass and the Summit Road to Godley Head.

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1584125, N5173810
Latitude: -43.5885043, Longitude: 172.8044701

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
  • Child (5 - 17 years): $7.50 per night
  • Infant (0 - 4 years): free

Passes

The campsite pass for rental campervans cannot be used at this campsite.

The DOC/NZMCA Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite.

Backcountry Hut Passes cannot be used at this campsite.

Bookings

Book Godley Head Campsite online, or contact the visitor centre.

If you have not received your confirmation letter by email within an hour of booking contact the DOC Christchurch Visitor Centre on +64 3 379 4082 seven days 9.00 am – 4.45 pm. Your confirmation letter contains the gate code which you will need for entry to the campsite.

Activities

Heritage sightseeing

Explore the WWII coastal defence battery site. Good intepretation tells the story of the area.

Mountain biking

From the carpark at the entrance to the Military Compound, there is a mountain bike track that travels below the main road to the Breeze Col car park. From there, the shared use Anaconda Track descends steeply to Taylors Mistake beach.

Swimming and surfing

Nearby Taylors Mistake beach is a popular swimming and surfing spot.

Walking and tramping

Awaroa/Godley Head Loop Track passes through the campsite. It provide options for a walk around the coast or around the headland.

In the area

The campsite is about 50 minutes drive from the centre of Christchurch, and is close to the seaside suburb of Sumner with pleasant beaches and cafes. 

Know before you go

  • The campsite is exposed to wind and bad weather.
  • The sealed road is narrow, has sharp corners and steep drops off the sides. Drive with care.
  • The Summit Road to Godley Head is popular with cyclists. Keep left, reduce speed and keep an lookout for oncoming cyclists.
  • Treefall risk – we advise that camping under trees in windy/stormy conditions is not advised due to the risk of a tree/branch fall.
All drone use must be authorised by DOC

A concession is required to fly a drone on any public conservation land - see Recreational drone use and Commercial drone use for more information.

Contacts

Ōtautahi / Christchurch Visitor Centre
Phone:   +64 3 379 4082
Fax:   +64 4 471 1117
Email:   christchurchvc@doc.govt.nz
Address:   28 Worcester Boulevard
Christchurch 8013
Postal Address:   Private Bag 11089
Christchurch 8443
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