
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 70 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic worth booking?
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic is a 5-hour experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, from $204 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 70 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (70)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $204 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- Walking poles
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Port pickup
- Tea and coffee
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
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.
60 minutes here · 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 here · Admission included
Godley Head
The next three hours will be spent walking Godley Head Loop Track, undoubtedly one of Christchurch's most beautiful hikes. The track is undulating and well-maintained. 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.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Lyttelton
Upon completion of your walk, your guide will drop you back to Lyttelton Port. Alternatively, if time allows, you can request to be dropped into Christchurch City to explore, and then make your own way back to Port.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Christchurch
Get the free shuttle bus from the ship to Norwich Quay (5 minutes drive), where your guide will be waiting opposite Canterbury Street with a sign.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Get the free shuttle bus from the ship to Norwich Quay (5 minutes drive), where your guide will be waiting opposite Canterbury Street with a sign.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Crater Rim Walks
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 70 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
8 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
7 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
6 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
70 verified traveler reviews for Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Thrill of a lifetime crater hike.
This 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!
Response from the operator: Thank you, so glad you enjoyed the walk and your time with Emma.
via Viator
Incredible Experience
We 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!!
Response from the operator: Wow thank you so much for such a lovely review, Helen & Dave will be so happy to hear it was a trip highlight for you. Many thanks, Nicole:-)
via Tripadvisor
Do this one if you can!
The 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.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback, glad to hear you enjoyed the lunch and your time with Emma and Flick. All the best with the rest of your cruise.
via Viator
Stunning sweeping Mountain View
Emma 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!
Response from the operator: Thank you! So glad you enjoyed the day with Flick and Emma, along with the views.
via Viator
LOVED this experience!!
Helen 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!
Response from the operator: Thanks so much, so glad to hear you had a great day with Helen & Dave, we loved hosting you!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $204 to $350
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 25
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Crater Rim Walks, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.9.
See everything Crater Rim Walks runsWhy this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Christchurch.
How much does Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic cost?
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Prices start at $204 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Christchurch usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Christchurch is not rushed.
Is Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 70 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Christchurch, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic?
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Around 25 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Christchurch can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Christchurch and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Christchurch within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Christchurch?
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On Outty we rank every Christchurch experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch, Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Christchurch?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Christchurch?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic?
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Included: Local guide; Walking poles; Snacks; Lunch; and Port pickup. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic?
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Get the free shuttle bus from the ship to Norwich Quay (5 minutes drive), where your guide will be waiting opposite Canterbury Street with a sign. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Godley Head Coastal Hike with Picnic?
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Across 70 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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