Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience the spectacular scenery of Godley Head on a full-day guided coastal hike designed for cruise ship guests visiting Lyttelton Port. Meet your local guide at the port before travelling to the seaside suburb of Sumner in a 12 seater van, where you'll enjoy hot drinks overlooking the ocean.
A short drive brings you to Taylors Mistake Beach, where your walk begins along a beautiful coastal track. Set within an ancient extinct volcano, the 8-10 km (5-6 mile) loop track takes in restored WWII gun emplacements, Scott's Cabin, and panoramic views across the Pacific Ocean, Pegasus Bay, Lyttelton Harbour, and the Southern Alps.
Enjoy snacks and a gourmet picnic lunch while keeping an eye out for seals, dolphins, and native birdlife. Your guide will share stories of the area's history, wildlife, and volcanic landscape. With approximately 3.5 hours of walking, this small-group experience offers a relaxed pace and plenty of time to enjoy the scenery before returning to Lyttelton Port.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Sumner Beach (Cave Rock)
After meeting your guide at Lyttelton Port, you will be transported in a 12-seater van to Sumner Beach (approximately 10 minutes drive), where 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
Guided Walk and Picnic
Duration: 5 hours: The best choice for Lyttleton cruise guests! We will meet you at the port, and return you to either Lyttelton or the city. Picnic: Morning tea, lunch, and water is provided, along with coffee/tea at a cafe on the way to the start of our walk. Path of the Gods: Lyttelton to Sumner, Godley Head, then you can choose to be dropped back to Lyttelton or into Christchurch City to explore. 12 seater Van: Air conditioned
What‘s Included
Local guide
Walking poles
Snacks
Lunch
Port pickup
Coffee and/or Tea
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
70 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Thrill of a lifetime crater hike.
Susan R,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a hike - 5 miles - around the crater rim and includes some steep hills and climbing rocky stairs. Our guide was fantastic. Emma was knowledgeable about the area and kept checking with us on hike options to either up the difficulty or adjust to simpler pathways. The scenery is breathtaking and you see ocean views from 3 different directions as you navigate the rim! People need to follow the physical recommendations and understand you should be in good shape without mobility restrictions to make this trek. Lunch and snacks were included. Everything was healthy and delicious!
Incredible Experience
elainel875,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We recently visited New Zealand and booked with Crater Rim Walks for the guided walking tour and picnic at the Godley Head Loop Trail. If I could give it 100 stars, I would!! This was one of our favorite excursions of our entire trip!! The communication, hospitality and professionalism on this tour was top notch! But the hike itself was stunning! The views and the picnic were just off the charts!! Our guides were knowledgeable and accommodating and just so thoughtful. I highly recommend this experience!!
Beautiful walk around Godley Head
Michael H,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a very nice day with Helen and Dave. The hike was mainly near the coast with great views. The guides were super nice and competent. However, you should be fit and good on foot.
Do this one if you can!
Robert E,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The scenery is beautiful! Our guides Flock and Emma were fantastic! Snacks and lunch were provided and were delicious. Be aware you will be walking about 7 miles and much of it is up hill. It was a very good representation of New Zealand.
Stunning sweeping Mountain View
Alfred C,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Emma and Flick were personable, patient and genuinely interested in everyone in the group. They made the 8 mile undulating hike go smoothly and efficiently. They kept an easy pace throughout and one of them always stayed with those in the group who couldn’t keep up. The day started with coffee, tea or hot chocolate at a beach cafe. There was a snack break, and bathrooms after an hour. Lunch was delicious and healthy: salad and vegetarian quiche. If you don’t want to miss out on the gloriously sweeping mountain views, this cruise ship Shore Excursion is for you!
LOVED this experience!!
gilesa2013,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Helen and Dave were excellent guides, with attention to all details and keeping the pace suitable for all participants. The lunch exceeded expectations and the views were stunning! Highly recommend!
Do this amazing hike with thoughtful extras!
bbjackson1,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First, I wanted to know that we took this as part of an excursion we planned on our own from our cruise stop in Lyttleton Port. Second and most importantly , Helen and Dave were fabulous guides. They took us to an amazing local café on the beach for morning coffee and tea, gave us lots of details about the local history, including background on the Māori. Helen & Dave provided all the essential & quite a few especially thoughtful extras: walking sticks, reusable NZ water bottles that we could take with us, sunscreen and a hat for those who forgot them. Helen even lent her own hat to someone whose cap kept blowing off due to the very high winds during our trek.. There were so many extras: an amazing lunch in a reusable bento box, healthy snacks for a break on the journey, and an amazing lunch spot. We truly loved the sustainable nature of this tour, our amazing guides, and the fantastic scenery from the beach to the history to the crater. We can’t say enough about our fabulous and this amazing local company, Crater Rim Walks. Definitely plan hike with them if you are. In Lyttleton! You will not be disappointed.
Crater Rim Walk an Excellent Adventure!
Betty K,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I stepped out solo for this adventure after feeling inspired by a thumbs up on a Celebrity cruise FB group. The Rim Walk met my expectations for experiencing something off the beaten path. Wonderful guides, Nicole and Ita, were thoughtful, knowledgeable, and communicated well before and after. Just do it, you will not regret!
Excellent excursion/great value
Valerie C,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an amazing experience. The company took care of everything. They provided a hot beverage, water, snacks and lunch, poles, and even backpacks. The guides, Emma and Herb were lovely and helpful. The scenery was beautiful. This was one of our favorite experiences of our trip. Highly recommend.
Amazing hiking experience
Explorer22385965139,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed our hiking trip with Emma! She first took us to a lovely coffee shop, then drove us to the trail while giving us interesting facts/history about Lyttleton. On the trail, the scenery was absolutely breathtaking, and the hike was not too difficult. Emma was very attentive and engaging, and thoughtfully provided us with backpacks, water, snacks, and lunch. We would definitely recommend this tour!
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