Awaroa/Godley Head Loop Track
Located in Awaroa/Godley Head and Christchurch area in the Canterbury region
Introduction
This walk has great coastal views and historical WWII remains. These emplacements bring history to life through murals by Wongi Wilson.
This track offers spectacular and panoramic views of Lyttelton Harbour and the eastern coastal line.
From the Taylors Mistake carpark turn right and make your way behind the beach to the start of the Pilgrims Way Coastal Track. Climbing above the sea, the track offers views of places where old cave dwellings were built into the hillside, as well as views down to the rocks and sea below.
Passing Boulder Bay and giving access to two of the first gun platforms, the track climbs up to the headland and the historic Godley Head coastal defence battery.
Here there are dramatic views including views:
- of Christchurch
- of the coastline heading north to the distant Kaikoura ranges
- south east towards the headlands of numerous Banks Peninsula bays from this vantage point.
The gun emplacements have interpretative graffiti which celebrates the role of the Women's Auxiliary Army Corp in running the place during WWII. It also has a lighted underground magazine to explore, as well as interpretation panels telling the history of the site.
From here the Godley Head Gun Emplacements Track carries on around the nose of the headland, past the historic military buildings. This area includes the Battery Observation posts located at the entrance to Lyttelton Harbour. It ends at the public carpark at Godley Head. There are toilets here.
From the carpark, the track climbs high above Breeze Bay. From here there are views of Lyttelton Harbour and Banks Peninsula. The track then drops back down to Breeze Col.
From Breeze Col follow the Black Rock track down for 20 minutes to the Pilgrims Way Coastal Track. Turn left there to walk back to Taylors Mistake Beach and carpark.
You can stay overnight at the Godley Head Campsite.
Detour to Scott's Cabin
Easily accessed from the historic military compound on Godley Head, you can take the short easy walk to visit the historic Scott's Cabin.
Mountain biking
While not allowed on the Godley Head loop track, there are several tracks in the Godley Head area which do allow mountain biking.
Mountain biking is possible from the Taylors Mistake car park up the Anaconda Track to Breeze Col. You can also mountain bike on the Breeze Col MTB track which runs between Breeze Col and the Awaroa/Godley Head carpark, immediately above and below the Summit Road. The track above the road is indicated with marker poles.
Breeze Col MTB track is a shared-use track. Anaconda track is mountain biking only. Follow the mountain bikers code:
- respect others
- respect the rules
- respect the track.
From the centre of Christchurch, it's a 30 minute drive to the coastal suburb of Sumner. From Sumner, it's another 10 minute drive over the hill to Taylors Mistake.
You can also start the track from the carpark at the Godley Head end of the Summit Road.
- There are steep, unfenced cliffs – keep children under close supervision at all times.
- There are toilets at Godley Head carpark and at Taylors Mistake.
- The sealed road to this track 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 a lookout for oncoming cyclists.
All drone use must be authorised by DOC
A concession is required to fly a drone on any public conservation land.
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 8013 |
| Full office details | |
