Godley Head Circuit, Christchurch NZ

A circuit walk close to Christchurch that takes in attractive coastal scenery and WWII heritage sites. Easy walking through mostly paddocks.

Godley Head Circuit, Christchurch NZ

Walking around Godley Head is a good option for those based in Christchurch who want a easy walk that can be done in half a day. It’s mostly through paddocks, and good accessibility makes it a fairly popular choice, so don’t expect much serenity. But there are a number of WWII heritage sites on the route, and the coastal scenery is quite nice, with a section of more natural looking vegetation on the Lyttelton Harbour side (south). And sea breezes will blow away the cobwebs 🙂

We walked from Taylor’s Mistake Beach, and the flowers in this area were nice in early spring. You can also walk from Godley Head Car Park. Track notes at the end.

Godley Head Circuit, Christchurch NZ
Looking past Sumner towards the distant Southern Alps on the drive out.

Godley Head Circuit: The Scenery

Godley Head Circuit, Christchurch NZ

Godley Head Circuit, Christchurch NZ
Looking back in the direction of Christchurch.

Godley Head Circuit, Christchurch NZ

Godley Head Circuit, Christchurch NZ
There were various WWII sites on the head, including these gun placements.
Godley Head Circuit, Christchurch NZ
Nice colours when the sun was out.
Godley Head Circuit, Christchurch NZ
A bit of Lyttelton Harbour visible.
Godley Head Circuit, Christchurch NZ
Looking in towards Lyttelton Harbour.
Godley Head Circuit, Christchurch NZ
There were sheep and lambs about.
Godley Head Circuit, Christchurch NZ
A small stand of native bush.
Godley Head Circuit, Christchurch NZ
Taylor’s Mistake. This is the main surf beach in Christchurch. I was a bit underwhelmed, although the flowers planted in the area were nice.
Godley Head Circuit, Christchurch NZ
There were lots of nice flowers planted around Taylor’s Mistake.
Godley Head Circuit, Christchurch NZ
Flowers at Taylor’s Mistake.
Godley Head Circuit, Christchurch NZ
Holiday ‘baches’ at Taylor’s Mistake.

Track Notes

Godley Head Circuit, Christchurch NZ
An obvious constructed track the whole way.

The walk is on an obvious track the whole way. There’s further information on the DOC website, and on the Christchurch City Council Website. And here’s a DOC map of the tracks.

We started at Taylor’s Mistake and walked clockwise, although you can also walk from Godley Head Car Park on Summit Road.

Author: Edward Hathway

I'm a clinical psychologist and keen hiker.

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