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Port Hills, Christchurch
7.2 km
3 hours
350 metres
If you are looking for a walk that perfectly captures the rugged, salt-sprayed soul of the Canterbury coast, the Head to Head Walkway is an absolute must-do. This isn't just a single trail; it’s a grand, ambitious vision by the Christchurch City Council and a dedicated band of volunteers to create a continuous coastal pathway around the entire Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour. While the project is still evolving and growing, the sections currently open offer some of the most spectacular hiking in the Port Hills.
Spanning from the historic heights of Awaroa/Godley Head in the east all the way toward Te Piaka/Adderley Head, the walkway weaves together a tapestry of landscapes. One moment you are trekking across high, windswept clifftops with the Pacific Ocean churning below, and the next, you are ducking into pockets of regenerating native bush or strolling through the quirky, historic streets of Lyttelton.
The most iconic and popular section—and the one that serves as the heart of this 7.2km adventure—is the Awaroa/Godley Head Loop Track. This part of the walkway offers a "moderate" challenge that is accessible enough for families and fit dogs, yet rewarding enough for seasoned hikers. As you climb the 350 metres of elevation, the views begin to unfold like a panoramic postcard. To one side, the vast blue of the ocean stretches toward the horizon; to the other, the dramatic, craggy ridgelines of the Banks Peninsula frame the sparkling waters of the harbour.
The terrain is beautifully varied. You’ll find yourself on well-formed gravel paths that hug the coastline, occasionally transitioning into steeper, slightly rocky sections that will get your heart rate up. Underfoot, the track undulates along the cliff edges, providing a real sense of drama. It is a walk of contrasts: the industrial hum of the Lyttelton Port in the distance, the silent history of WWII battlements, and the peaceful rustle of golden tussock in the wind. Whether you’re a local looking for your weekend "hill fix" or a visitor wanting to see the "other side" of Christchurch, this trail delivers a world-class experience.
The Head to Head Walkway is packed with "stop-and-stare" moments, but a few features truly stand out:
Parking is available at various access points along the Head to Head Walkway. For the Awaroa/Godley Head Loop Track, ample parking can be found at the Godley Head car park or Taylors Mistake Beach. In the Lyttelton area, parking is available within the township, with specific access points like Park Terrace offering starting points for sections like the Coastal Path. For sections around Governors Bay, parking is available near the Governors Bay Jetty, and a small pull-off exists at Sandy Bay. In the Diamond Harbour area, access points include the Paradise Beach car park and Stoddart Point Reserve.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
2.5km away
A popular local cafe in the heart of Lyttelton, known for its excellent coffee, delicious baking, and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for a post-hike refuel. It's hiker-friendly with indoor and outdoor seating.
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Point to point
Because the Head to Head Walkway is a series of interconnected sections, you have several options for where to start.
If you are aiming for the Awaroa/Godley Head Loop, most walkers choose to park at either Taylors Mistake Beach or the Godley Head car park at the end of Godley Head Road. Parking at Taylors Mistake allows you to start with a climb and finish with a refreshing coastal breeze (and perhaps a paddle in the waves).
For those wanting to explore the sections near the town, parking is plentiful within the Lyttelton township. You can pick up the trail near Park Terrace to head toward the western bays. If you are exploring the southern side of the harbour, head to Governors Bay and park near the jetty, or drive around to Diamond Harbour where you’ll find parking at Stoddart Point Reserve or the Paradise Beach car park.
Access is generally straightforward, though the roads leading to Godley Head can be narrow and winding, so take your time and enjoy the view!
The Port Hills and the Lyttelton Harbour coastline are a haven for native birdlife, thanks to extensive predator control and habitat restoration efforts by the community.
As you walk through the pine forests and native bush remnants, keep your ears open for the melodic, bell-like song of the Bellbird (Korimako). These are common year-round and often congregate where flax is in flower. You are also almost guaranteed to be joined by the cheeky Fantail (Pīwakawaka), which loves to follow hikers to catch the insects stirred up by their boots.
In the more forested gullies, look up for the Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon). You’ll often hear them before you see them—their wings make a distinctive "whoosh-whoosh" sound as they fly. Along the shoreline and near the jetties, keep an eye out for the Sacred Kingfisher (Kōtare), especially during spring and summer. They can often be seen perched on branches or power lines, waiting to dive for a snack.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Grey Warbler (Riroriro) or a flock of Silvereyes (Tauhou) flitting through the scrub. Pro tip: The best time for birdwatching is early morning or late afternoon when the "dawn chorus" or "evening song" is at its peak.
The Head to Head Walkway is a true four-season trail, with each time of year offering something different:
The area surrounding the Head to Head Walkway is deeply significant to both Māori and European history. To Ngāi Tahu, the harbour is known as Whakaraupō, meaning "harbour of the raupō (bullrushes)." For centuries, it served as a vital source of mahinga kai (food gathering) and a highway for travel between settlements.
The township of Lyttelton itself is the historic gateway to Canterbury. It was the landing site for the first European settlers in 1850, who then had to trek over the steep Bridle Path to reach the plains where Christchurch now sits. Walking through the town today, you can still feel that colonial heritage in the stone buildings and steep, narrow streets.
In recent years, the Head to Head project has become a symbol of regional resilience. Following the Christchurch earthquakes, many tracks were damaged, but the community’s drive to reconnect these coastal paths has seen a resurgence in local pride. Every step you take on the walkway supports the ongoing effort to protect the native biodiversity and preserve the stories of this unique volcanic landscape.
Once you’ve finished your trek, there is no better place to refuel than the Lyttelton township. The "Lyttel" village has a fantastic, slightly bohemian vibe that is very welcoming to hikers.
Whether you tackle the full Godley Head loop or just a short stroll between the bays, the Head to Head Walkway offers a deep connection to the land and sea that you won't soon forget.
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Todiramphus sanctus
A vibrantly coloured bird renowned for its precision diving to catch fish, also eats insects and small lizards.
Best time: Spring-Summer
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
2.7km away
A stylish pub and eatery in Lyttelton offering craft beers, a diverse menu with a focus on fresh, local ingredients, and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Ideal for a hearty meal and a refreshing drink after your walk.
2.8km away
A historic Lyttelton pub with a classic, cozy atmosphere, offering traditional pub fare, a good selection of beverages, and a friendly spot for hikers to unwind. Features outdoor seating with harbour views.