Awaroa / Godley Head Track

This gentle three-hour loop track takes you along the ridgeline of Godley Head, a remote headland on the eastern outskirts of Ōtautahi Christchurch. Highlights include stunning coastal views of Banks Peninsula and distant Kaikōura Ranges. Plus, there’s an endangered penguin colony and remnants of a WWII military defence site to explore.  

If you take the short detour at Boulder Bay, you’ll find what’s left of 19 cave houses that were built into the rockface. If you’re interested in learning more about the region’s history, book a guided tour with Crater Rim Walks.  

Prepare for the walk using Plan My Walk(opens in new window), a website run by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council. Here, you’ll find track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews, and other helpful information. 

Getting there

• The track starts at Taylor’s Mistake car park, which is 30 minutes’ drive from Ōtautahi Christchurch. 

Need to know

• The Awaroa/Godley Head Lighthouse Cottage and Campsite are closed due to unsafe levels of asbestos and other contaminants, but the track still is open. 
• Dogs must be kept on a leash. 
• Toilets are located at Taylor’s Mistake car park and Godley Head car park. Note, the toilets are temporarily closed.