Guide to Awaroa/Godley Head Track

Most come for the coastal drama, and we can’t blame them! From the very first rise, you’ll stare down sheer 120 m cliffs, scan Lyttelton Harbour and, on a clear day you’ll even be able to spy the snow-capped Kaikōura ranges glinting to the north. That said, the Awarao/Godley Head track is also great for history buffs with the well-preserved WWII battery complex, complete with spotter posts and underground magazines. Its also a perfect opportunity for wildlife lovers to spot white-flippered penguins below Boulder Bay and seabirds dive-bombing the trackside. And let’s be honest: it’s an unbeatable excuse to stretch the legs after soaking at Hanmer Springs Pools a few hours north or braving the −18 °C storm room at the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch.  

How long should I spend at the Awaroa/Godley Head track?

Allow a relaxed 2.5 to 4 hours to wander the full loop: enough time to peer into every bunker, picnic on a flax-fringed clifftop and snap thirty (or more) versions of that postcard view. If you’re travelling on a tight schedule, then you can opt for the out-and-return which takes about 90 minutes and still packs in cliff-edge panoramas. For this option, start at Taylor's Mistake, climb to the central gun platform and simply turn back. Travelling with toddlers or grandparents? Park at the Summit Road car park (sealed road but narrow, so proceed with care) and stroll the flat path to the lighthouse platform, which is about 20 minutes each way with virtually zero cardio. Got the whole afternoon free? We recommend lingering for sunset, then overnight at the DOC Awaroa/Godley Head Campsite (25 non-powered sites; booking essential) and wake to a dawn chorus of seabirds. 

How hard is the Godley head track?

Think “Sunday-stroll-with-a-side-of-sweat”. The DOC grades it easy-intermediate: well-formed gravel underfoot, gentle gradients, one or two thigh-warming zig-zags and a total elevation gain of roughly 250 m. Most reasonably fit walkers, including kids in sturdy trainers, can navigate the circuit without breaking a serious sweat, and even dogs are welcome on-lead. Pack a wind-proof layer (the Banks Peninsula funnels a feisty nor’easter), decent sunblock and plenty of water, as there are no taps until you’re back at the beach. 

For families wondering if the track pushchair friendly, the first kilometre from Taylor's Mistake is wide enough for an off-road buggy, but beyond Boulder Bay, you’ll hit steps, so its best to use a carrier. 

How to get to Awaroa/Godley Head track

By campervan from central Christchurch (30 km / 35 min): 

• Follow Ferry Road east to Sumner village for pre-walk coffee. 
• Climb Evans Pass Road over Scarborough Hill; descend to Taylor's Mistake Beach. 
• Campervan parking: the sealed Taylor's Mistake car park sits right on the sand and has dedicated long-vehicle spaces and toilets.   
• For a wilder stay, book the Awaroa/Godley Head Campsite a further 5 km up Summit Road (narrow but passable); spaces are limited, so arrive early.

Best time to visit Awaroa/Godley Head Track

For most travellers, late spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) are the sweet spots for visiting Awaroa/Godley Head Track. Spring decks the cliffs in pōhuehue and kōwhai blossom, temperatures hover around 16–19 °C, and the track is usually dry underfoot. Autumn serves up calm seas, golden afternoon light and noticeably thinner crowds, which is perfect if you’re looping south afterwards to soak at Hanmer Springs Pools.  

That said, summer (December–February) spoils hikers with 15-hour daylight, average highs of 22 °C and the best chance of spotting Hector’s dolphins surfing below Boulder Bay. Whichever season you choose, arrive early (08:00-11:00) for cooler air and empty paths, or aim for 15:00-18:00 when the low sun paints Lyttelton Harbour gold, just keep an eye on sunset times if you’re tackling the full loop.