Full-Day Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic Lunch
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Sumner Beach (Cave Rock)
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.
Taylors Mistake - Awaroa / Godley Head Walk
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.
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. Duration: 6 hours Lunch, hot drinks, water Air conditioned van 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)
Hotel pickups more than 5km outside of the city centre
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
165 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Crater Rim tour Christchurch
G8249USjohnm,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nicole was a great tour guide, she was very professional, on time, easy to talk to and knowledgeable. We were pleasantly surprised with the early beach spot , which was an excellent way to start. Riharri was also a great guide and provided an Moriori perspective that was very valuable to us All in all a wonderful experience which I would highly recommend
Super worth it!
reggiegonzaga,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommended for nature lovers! Nicole decided to push through with this walk even though I am a solo traveller. That alone already made me special. She was very accommodating and light hearted I did not even feel I was walking for 2 and a half hours. She was also excellent in taking stunning photos which added to the quality of this walk. Healthy snacks and hearty lunch were also served. Godley Head and Crater Rim Walk turns out to be one of my highlights while in Christchurch and is definitely worth multiple tries.
A glorious April day on Godley head.
OzJenny1959,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This full day walking tour was wonderful, for two main reasons. 1) Our guide Ita was a delight, very pleasant and kind, a good listener, and full of knowledge. 2) The weather was absolutely perfect, it could not have been better! The pace of the walk could have been a little slower, but then that’s an individual preference. A yummy morning tea and lunch was supplied. Thoroughly recommend this guided walking tour.
Beautiful walk along the Crater Rim
U2939OZcherylb,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did a 6-hour excursion with our wonderful guide, Heidi, today. It exceeded our expectations and the photos don’t really do it justice. The whole experience was just perfect with amazing views and a really enjoyable tramp along the coastline.
This was an incredibly...
Wendy O,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an incredibly beautiful, 6 mile hike along the permitter of a volcano crater and Godley Head. Our super friendly hike leader Dee gave us historical and cultural information. of the ares. A delicious picnic lunch was also served along with group photos sent to us after the hike. Kudos yo Crater Rim Walks in Christ Church!
The hike was longer and...
Mari T,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The hike was longer and harder than described. The views were wonderful! Definitely needed the hiking poles at points.
An Added Bonus!
bernadettesY3577NG,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great day out hiking around Godley Head with Kate as our guide and a lovely American couple. The views were amazing and the whole day reminded us of how much we enjoy hiking. We were due to do the half day hike, however, due to circumstances, ended up doing the full day - a fortunate twist of circumstances for us, as this is now the option we would thoroughly recommend! The experience was very relaxed and the detour on the way back past Littleton port was a great addition. Thank you so much for a wonderful day!
Amazing experience highly recommend!!
danigK1683AC,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I did the Crater Rim Walk with Nicole and it was amazing! It was a perfect day and we had a great time. She was very knowledgeable, accommodating and friendly. We felt very relaxed throughout the day and were able to take the walk at our own pace. I would highly recommend this tour if you are looking to do the Crater Rim Walk with an expert who helps guide you through the trail and makes sure you feel comfortable.
Godley Head Adventure
Jeffrey L,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00great hike with breath taking views, a fun lunch and interesting history about the area. Highly recommend
Godley Bay day hike
Sally G,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An excellent day. Picked up at our hotel, scenic drive, beach stop, great day hike about 6 miles, beautiful scenery. Lots of interesting info from our guide about the area and history. Great packed lunch.
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