Full Day Guided Walking Tour and Picnic around Godley Head
Active
6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Enjoy a stunning guided walk along the Godley Head Loop Track, one of the most breathtaking hikes in Christchurch. Your guide picks you up from your accommodation and transports you to Taylors Mistake Beach, where the adventure begins.
Take in world-class views as you traverse the ancient crater of an extinct volcano and enjoy one of New Zealand's most beautiful coastlines with an experienced local guide.
This well-maintained loop track spans 8-10 km (5-6 miles) and takes approximately 3 hours to complete, allowing plenty of time to soak in the scenery. Hot drinks at a local café, morning snacks, and a gourmet picnic lunch are all included.
Along the way, you'll see recently restored historic WWII landmarks, an Antarctic cabin, a penguin colony, and charming little huts. Visit Boulder Bay, a secluded beach with views over Pegasus Bay and the majestic Southern Alps. Wildlife sightings may include seals, dolphins, and native birds.
This day tour begins and ends in Christchurch City.
Available options
Full Day Crater Rim Walk
Our top-notch guided 1-day walk on Banks Peninsula, a small group tour with up to 10 people departing from Christchurch.<br/>Duration: 6 hours<br/>Lunch, hot drinks, water<br/>Air conditioned van<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Local guide
Walking poles
Bottled water
Lunch
Coffee and/or Tea
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Hotel pickup (within a 5 km radius on the city)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
After hotel pick up, your guide will entertain you with the history of Christchurch on the 20-minute drive to Sumner Beach in a 12-seater van. Here you will enjoy a hot drink on the deck of a seaside cafe overlooking the ocean and Cave Rock. This is a beautiful landmark and a great start to the day.
2
Your next stop is Taylors Mistake Beach (10 minutes drive), a beautiful black sand surf beach, with quaint little baches. Here your guide will hand out backpacks, poles, lunch, water bottles, and snacks, and prepare you for the walk.
3
The next three hours will be spent walking Godley Head Loop Track, one of Christchurch's most beautiful hikes. Sights include Scott's Hutt (an Antarctic Cabin), WW2 Gun emplacements, a penguin colony, and coastal views in all directions. Picnic lunch will be enjoyed at a remote beach along the way with historic cabins, where we often encounter wildlife such as seals, dolphins, and many birds. Your walk returns to Taylors Mistake Beach, for a relaxing drive back to your pick-up location.
What's not included
Hotel pickups more than 5km outside of the city centre
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
32 reviews
5★
32
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
111 reviews
5★
110
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Important notes
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
About Christchurch
Christchurch is known for its English heritage, vibrant arts scene, and extensive parks and gardens. The city is a gateway to the stunning landscapes of the South Island, including the Southern Alps and Kaikoura's coastal wonders.
Top Attractions
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
A beautiful 30-hectare garden located in the city center, featuring a diverse range of plants, a duck pond, and a conservatory.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free (conservatory entry is NZD 10 for adults, NZD 5 for children)
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu
The largest public art gallery in New Zealand, showcasing a diverse collection of New Zealand and international art.
Museum
1-2 hours
Free (some special exhibitions may have an entry fee)
Quake City
An interactive museum dedicated to the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, providing a unique insight into the events and their impact on the city.
Historical
1 hour
NZD 25 for adults, NZD 10 for children (under 13 free)
Lyttelton
A charming port town with a rich history, known for its vibrant arts scene, historic buildings, and beautiful coastal views.
Historical
Half day
Free to explore, some attractions may have entry fees
Akaroa
A picturesque French-inspired settlement located on the Banks Peninsula, known for its beautiful harbor, wildlife, and historic charm.
Nature
Full day
Free to explore, some attractions and tours may have entry fees
Must-Try Local Dishes
Whitebait Fritters
A traditional New Zealand dish made from tiny whitebait fish mixed with egg and flour, then fried in a patty form.
Snack
Contains fish and eggs, not suitable for vegetarians or those with fish allergies
Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
A popular New Zealand ice cream flavor made with vanilla ice cream and crunchy honeycomb pieces.
Dessert
Contains dairy, not suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies
Lamb Rack
A tender and flavorful cut of lamb, often served with seasonal vegetables and a rich sauce.
Dinner
Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
Popular Activities
Hiking
Mountain biking
Skiing
Whale watching
Dolphin encounters
Hot springs
Spa treatments
Beach relaxation
Best Time to Visit
December to February (Summer)
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and plenty of outdoor activities. The city hosts various festivals and events during this time.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
GMT+12 (New Zealand Standard Time) or GMT+13 (New Zealand Daylight Time during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Christchurch is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, visitors should be aware of the ongoing earthquake recovery and redevelopment, which may present some challenges and hazards.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis and tour operators
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash
Getting there
By air
- Christchurch International Airport • 12 km (7.5 miles) from city center
By bus
Christchurch Central Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Metro bus network is the primary mode of public transport in Christchurch. Buses are frequent and cover most areas of the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Free Ride
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Central City
Riccarton
Sumner
Lyttelton
Day trips
Arthur's Pass National Park
130 km (81 miles) from Christchurch • Full day
A stunning national park in the Southern Alps, offering a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and wildlife spotting.
Kaikoura
180 km (112 miles) from Christchurch • Full day
A coastal town known for its stunning scenery, wildlife, and outdoor activities, including whale watching, dolphin encounters, and hiking.
Hanmer Springs
130 km (81 miles) from Christchurch • Full day
A popular hot spring and spa town, offering a range of relaxation and outdoor activities, including hot pools, hiking, and mountain biking.
Festivals
Christchurch Arts Festival • Every two years in August
Christchurch International Jazz Festival • Annually in November
Lyttelton Arts Festival • Annually in November
Pro tips
- Visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens for a peaceful and relaxing experience, especially during spring and summer
- Explore the city's vibrant arts and culture scene by visiting the Christchurch Art Gallery, Ōtautahi Creative Spaces, and other local galleries and studios
- Take a day trip to Arthur's Pass National Park, Kaikoura, or Hanmer Springs for a taste of the stunning landscapes and outdoor activities available in the surrounding region
- Try local foods and dishes, such as whitebait fritters, hokey pokey ice cream, and lamb rack, as well as the city's thriving coffee culture
- Be aware of the ongoing earthquake recovery and redevelopment, and follow local safety guidelines and warnings
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
