Lyttelton Shore Excursion: Guided Crater Rim Walk and Picnic
5.0
23 Ratings
Christchurch
Escape the crowds and embark on a guided Crater Rim Walk in Lyttelton. Enjoy stunning coastal views, historic landmarks, and a picnic lunch at a secluded beach.
Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
What's Included
  • Local guide
  • Bottled water
  • Walking poles
  • Snacks
  • Lunch
  • Port pickup
  • Tea and coffee
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Additional Information

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 8 km / 5 miles, which takes 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 beyond. 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.

Location
Sumner Beach (Cave Rock)
The Esplanade, Sumner Beach
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(23 Ratings)
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Jli315
Mar 24, 2024
Great way to see a beautiful part of Lyttelton. - Beautiful hike with a great view of the water below. It was not sunny the day we hiked, but it was still so pretty. Nicole was a great guide and the lunch she made us was delicious. Loved the coffee stop beforehand also!! The hike is a nice length and not hard. A few inclines to get your heart beating faster, but not to the point where you were huffing and puffing.
Review provided by Viator
David_l
Mar 24, 2024
The most amazing and must do experience - This was the most amazing experience. The views were spectacular!! It is a must trip for all cruisers and visitors alike. The walk was for the most part easy although for me a little challenging at times with my bad knee. The great part about it was it was not stressful and we could stop anytime anywhere to snap pics videos or just rest. Nicole the owner was amazing and the best host - thank you Nicole for a memory we will never forget!!
Review provided by Viator
Imogens549
Mar 1, 2024
Beautiful Experience - Nicole from Crater Rim Walks lead us through the most beautiful guided tour of Godley Head just outside of Christchurch. A beautiful lunch and snacks were provided along with lots of lovely stops along the way to talk us through this history of relics and the natural surroundings. Highly recommended!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
A6390ltmariem
Feb 19, 2024
Wonderful! - We had an amazing experience with Nichole! She was very knowledgeable and planned a wonderful day for us, including a brilliant lunch on a beautiful, secluded beach!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Coolaunt52
Feb 18, 2024
Great hike with a great company - The Crater Rim Walks crew were fantastic, friendly, provided a lovely picnic (and a coffee on the beach before the hike) and were ready to accommodate all types of hikers. Plus the views! Just gorgeous, a wonderful day out.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
913kathyy
Feb 18, 2024
The best way to enjoy the volcanic rims in New Zealand - The rim walk was a fantastic experience. The hike to the rim offered incredible views of the shoreline, but when we reached the rim the views were breathtaking. Besides the views the walk offered interesting terrain that changed as often as the views. Nicole and James were knowledgeable about the geology and history of the area providing insights that made the trip even more enjoyable. The picnic lunch was hearty and delicious. It fortified us for the undulating walk down. This was a perfect way to enjoy the spectacular environment. I can’t say enough good things about Nicole. She offered advice about which rim walk to take that was suitable for those on a cruise ship. She even helped me with an excursion from another company. She is the best. We recommend this trip to everyone, no matter your age or ability. Nicole, thank you for providing us with an amazing, memorable experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shipnc01
Feb 15, 2024
A GREAT TIME! - This was a fantastic event from start to finish. Pickup from ship was well coordinated and guide was right on time. Fraser was most knowledgeable, personable and professional and the walk was just beautiful. Owner Nicole went out of her way to accommodate us on a busy day. This family - operated business is top notch all the way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Njt413
Feb 13, 2024
Breathtaking walk and well run tour - The walk is well worth it. The scenery and views are breathtaking. The guides Nicole and Mihi are professional, informative and genuine people. We felt very welcome and appreciated being looked after with picnic lunch, transport and water. Nicole sent us extra photos taken on the day and we were not rushed at all. Highly recommend this tour. Also we were on a cruise ship and the timing was great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X9079oijohna
Feb 5, 2024
Taylor’s Mistake - Breathtaking Scenery - “Crater Rim Walks” tour guides were amazing and the views around Taylors Mistake were spectacular! Absolutely recommend especially for anyone just starting out in hiking.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Linda
Mar 31, 2024
Well-guided tour for small group of two couples - Very well guided tour in the volcanic hills at the coast visiting the beautiful bays. Lot of information on the history of local subjects and hallmarks such as the huts, nesting places for pinguïns, town history…
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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