Godley Head Walkway — Attraction in Christchurch

One of the best walking trails in the Banks Peninsula with spectacular views. Easy walking trail , accessible for entire families including kids. You have several options - just go to one of the observation points and return, go the midpoint and turn around (about 1.5 hours) or do entire loop, which takes about 3-4 hours, depending on your skills. Trail is renovated, relatively safe (watch your kids on some of the ridges and cliffs), and perfect family activity for nice sunny day. Not recommended when it’s raining as it gets quite slippery. Trail starts at Taylor’s Mistake beach parking. For newcomers, it may be confusing to find entrance to the trail , as it’s not very well marked. It took us a while first time. There are two entry points one from beach , second behind the carpark on the right with U-turn behind beach houses to trail start. Some of the sections of trail around WWII fortifications are closed and you have to either manoeuvre around or just skip them. Area around Godley Head Carpark got also closed, so make sure you take right trail as you may get to jump over fence like we did. Otherwise it’s really favourite place for locals for walking/ running/...

Did the Awaroa / Godley Head Loop from Taylor's Mistake Beach and carpark. The carpark was very crowded (Sunday around 4pm) as this is a surf location. The track took us 2h, we did the loop clockwise. The views are incredible and it was not even a sunny day for us Some part is closed off due to asbestos and there is a detour but I think we missed the turn for the detour so when we faced the 'closed' sign and couldn't go any further we followed the only track that went along the military compound (MTB track). We found our way back to Godley Head and its carpark. At some point, there was a closed barrier with no sign but it was clear it was the only way to the carpark. When you get close you can see it's easy to detach and reattach the chain to...

This is a 3 hour loop track hugging the cliff of the Godley Head. You’re basically walking all the way to the tip of the landmass in the photos, then climbing uphill inland towards a war relic where you can see even beyond Christchurch towards Akaroa. You’ll go further uphill and see a historical cabin, and then you’ll reach a small carpark labeled Godley Head carpark on Google maps. Across the road the track continues on a MTB trail before looping back to Taylor Mistake Beach. I’m giving the details here because at some points you can’t see the next trail marker and it can be tricky figuring out the direction to walk for the loop. Hope this helps someone (: it was 100% worth the view. It can be windy so bring...