Awaroa/Godley Head Loop Track
Located in Awaroa/Godley Head and Christchurch area in the Canterbury region
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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. Get more information on the Christchurch City Council website:
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 – stay on the formed track and keep children under close supervision at all times.
- Toilets are available at Godley Head carpark and at Taylors Mistake.
- Livestock graze in this area. Give livestock space and shut gates behind you.
- 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
You must have a permit to fly a drone on public conservation land.
Follow all signage related to historic contaminants
The Godley Head area had soil contamination remediation work completed in 2024. This work took place at the WW2 coastal defence heritage buildings.
Contaminated soil is capped (buried) on-site. Visitors must follow the signage at site. This includes keeping dogs on leads as digging is not allowed.
If you are planning an event, check if you need a concession
If you wish to run an event at Godley Head, you may require a concession. A pre-application meeting is highly recommended. You should contact the local Sockburn office a minimum of 2 months out from the date of your event. Note wedding ceremonies and receptions at Godley Head are not currently supported.
See Other activities: Running your business or activity for more information.
Contacts
| Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre | |
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| Phone | +64 3 318 9211 |
| arthurspassvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 104 West Coast Road Arthur's Pass 7654 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |
