Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Guided Walking Tour and Picnic

Overview

Available languages

English

5 hours

Mobile ticket

Escape the crowds and enjoy an incredible day in the great outdoors, on this stunning guided Crater Rim Walk. Lyttelton Harbour is nestled inside an extinct volcano crater. You will be met at Lyttleton Port by your guide, and transported in a 12-seater van to Sumner Beach for hot drinks at a cafe overlooking the ocean.

Godley Head Loop Track is undoubtedly one of the best hikes in Christchurch, an undulating track with breathtaking coastal views, historic WW2 landmarks, and quaint little beaches. The distance is approximately 8 km / 5 miles, taking around 3 hours to walk, with lots of time to stop and enjoy the scenery.

Morning tea is served at Godley Head, followed by a picnic lunch at Boulder Bay, a secluded beach looking out over Pegasus Bay, and the majestic Southern Alps. Seals, dolphins, and birds are often spotted.

After the walk, your guide will return you to Lyttleton Port, or if time allows you will also have the option of being dropped into Christchurch City to explore.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Local guide

Walking poles

Snacks

Lunch

Port pickup

Coffee and/or Tea

Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Gratuities

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.

1 hour • Admission Included

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.

30 minutes • Admission Included

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
Pickup included

Reviews

4.96

52 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Cruise Excursion - booked directly with a family business
MrsFrogg,
Apr 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had the most fabulous day out! We were cruise passengers and easily met the group to join a comfortable van for our journey. First stop, a coffee shop literally on the beach. Our first taste of excellent NZ coffee we had heard so much about. From there, we journeyed to the start of the hiking trail. It was magnificent and our guides could not have been better. Our group had various fitness levels and they were able to accommodate those who needed to lag a bit behind without hindering the rest of us. We were provided a packed lunch which we ate at tables along the way; it was an excellent lunch of Japanese coleslaw and something baked with sweet potato and veggies. At the end of the hike, we had a few extra minutes and I was able to tip my toes into the icy water on the black sand each - it felt amazing. Our guides gave us great information about the area, plus other advice we requested about NZ. Top marks from us! We are regular cruise passengers, but always seek out independent businesses to support. We get a small group experience rather than a crowded tour bus. This was perfect.
A great way to explore the Banks Peninsula
In206,
Apr 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We loved this tour with Nicole. The perfect blend of informative and friendly. The scenery was breathtaking and the tour was very well planned out. They have thought of it all when it comes to what you needed for the day. Walking sticks, a handy backpack to carry a delicious healthy prepared lunch, fresh fruit, and protein bites. The tour also included a souvenir New Zealand water canteen that we were able to keep. This was one of the most thought out and thoughtful tours we have ever been on.
Gorgeous day hike not to be missed
Lori C,
Apr 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had a fabulous sunny day. I was the slowest hiker but there were plenty of stops along this 5 mile gorgeous hike. Many of us were in our 60’s and had a moderate workout -not too strenuous at all. We even saw some sea lions in the water.
Crater Rim Walks
michellenW9558AE,
Mar 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Nicole and Dee provided a wonderful excursion, starting with coffee and tea at a beautiful beachside cafe. The hike was a bit over 5 miles, around the crater, with stunning views. The day was unseasonably warm, but there were plenty of breaks and hikers could travel at their own pace, with one guide leading and the other walking at the end of the line. We had a shady spot for the provided picnic lunch and great conversation with our fellow travelers. We also left with the gift of a refillable water bottle as a memento from the day. The start of the hike is a bit strenuous as we travel uphill, but If you like hiking and stunning views, I highly recommend.
The scenery was...
Louise B,
Mar 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The scenery was fantastic. And Dee, our guide, was fabulous. Nicole from Crater Rim contacted us the day before the excursion with details on the excursion and that was comforting. I recommend this excursion.
Spectacular views. Amazing experience.
Coastal309727,
Feb 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was an absolutely incredible excursion! It started with a visit to a lovely coffee spot on the beach. The hike was spectacular. The guides could not have been better. The provided lunch was excellent. This was one of the highlights of our trip. Do not miss this excursion if you visit Christchurch.
One of the best tour companies I’ve ever experienced
John M,
Feb 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was one of the best tour guide experiences I’ve ever had. Absolutely well prepared, planned, and executed! Well done!
Crater Rim Extraordinaire
D7291NDnataliem,
Feb 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had an amazing experience with spectacular views on our hike! We have been cruising New Zealand with multiple excursions but this was the best! Our guides, Nicole and Helen, were extremely thoughtful and kind. Thank you for our treasured memories! J&N
Well Worth the Effort
Shirley L,
Feb 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
What a great day! So beautiful. Flick our guide was wonderful . Nicole’s communication about the tour excellent. The lunch was beyond yummy too!
Beautiful hike with a great guide
ClimbHikeEat,
Feb 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This tour gets you into gorgeous settings with beautiful views from a moderate hike. The lovely café stop at the beginning was also a wonderful touch. Flick guided our small group with humor, great information, and an ability to let everyone go around their own pace. Lunch was also delicious and accommodated those of us with food allergies. Highly recommend!!