Question 1

Can I book if I am travelling on my own?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our walks require a minimum of two guests to go ahead, but solo travellers are welcome to join an existing confirmed departure. Please email us with your preferred date and time, and we will do our best to accommodate you.Alternatively, you can guarantee your departure by booking for two guests. If another person subsequently joins the walk, we will refund the cost of the second guest.We recommend booking early to secure your preferred date, particularly during our busiest season from September to April.

Question 2

How fit do I need to be?

Accepted Answer

A reasonable level of fitness is required. The Half Day Walk covers approximately 4 km, while the Full Day Walk covers approximately 9 km. Both include uphill and downhill sections on a well-maintained gravel track.We can adapt the pace and route to suit different fitness levels. If you have any concerns about your fitness, mobility, balance or existing injuries, please let us know when booking so we can recommend the most suitable option and best meet your needs.

Question 3

How long and how far are the Godley Head walks?

Accepted Answer

The Full Day Walk takes approximately six hours in total, including 3.5–4 hours of walking. It covers around 9 km, with approximately 350 metres of elevation gain.The Half Day Walk takes approximately four hours in total, including 2–2.5 hours of walking. It covers around 4 km, with approximately 185 metres of elevation gain.Both walks follow loop tracks but begin from different starting points.

Question 4

What is the difference between the Half Day and Full Day Walk?

Accepted Answer

The Half Day Walk is a 4 km loop beginning at Godley Head. It includes approximately 2–2.5 hours of walking and takes 4 hours in total.The Full Day Walk begins at Taylors Mistake beach and covers approximately 9 km, with 3.5–4 hours of walking and 6 hours in total. It explores more of the coastline and includes a picnic lunch.Both walks feature spectacular coastal scenery, local history and views across Lyttelton Harbour.

Question 5

Can I change the departure time?

Accepted Answer

Our small-group walks have set departure times. If you book a private guided walk or experience, the start time can be tailored to fit your itinerary and schedule.

Question 6

What sort of footwear and clothing do I need?

Accepted Answer

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential, along with a warm layer, weatherproof jacket and sun hat. In summer, shorts and a T-shirt are usually suitable, while long trousers and warmer clothing are recommended during the cooler months.Christchurch weather can change quickly, so we recommend dressing in layers. Any clothing or belongings you do not need during the walk can be left in the locked vehicle.

Question 7

Can you take group bookings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our regular small-group walks cater for 2–10 guests. For groups of more than 10, please contact us to discuss your requirements. We can accommodate up to 40 guests by arranging multiple guides.

Question 8

Are your walks suitable for children?

Accepted Answer

Godley Head is a wonderful place for children to explore. However, we recommend that families with children under 10 book a private guided experience. This allows us to tailor the day to your family and explore at a pace that suits everyone.

Question 9

Do you offer guided walks for corporate events?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We can arrange anything from a guided walk to a complete package, including transport and catering. Please contact us with your group size and requirements, and we will tailor the experience to suit your team.

Question 10

Do you offer excursions for cruise ship passengers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer two excursions for cruise ship guests arriving at Lyttelton:A guided full day Godley Head Shore Excursion, including a picnic lunch and café stop in Sumner.A guided Christchurch Highlights Shore Excursion, a tour of the city and coast, including Punting on the River Avon.Both excursions include pick-up and return to Lyttelton, with timings arranged around your ship’s arrival and departure.

Question 11

How far in advance do I need to book?

Accepted Answer

We recommend booking well in advance to secure a guide and your preferred date, particularly during our busy season over summer. We generally require at least 24-48 hours’ notice as a minimum, but please contact us for last-minute bookings and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Question 12

Do you offer other walks?

Accepted Answer

Godley Head is our flagship walk and, if you have only one day in Christchurch, it is the walk we highly recommend. If you have more time and would like to explore further, our guides can take you on a range of other fantastic tracks throughout the Port Hills. Please contact us to discuss the options.

Question 13

Are the walks available all year round?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we operate throughout the year, and there are very few days when Christchurch’s weather prevents us from enjoying a wonderful walk. If the weather or track conditions make walking unsafe, we will offer an alternative itinerary, reschedule your booking for a suitable day or provide a refund.

Question 14

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We understand that travel plans sometimes change.For direct bookings of 1–4 guests, cancellations received 48 hours or more before the scheduled tour departure will receive a full refund. Cancellations received within 48 hours of departure are non-refundable.For bookings of 5 or more guests, at least seven days’ notice is required for cancellation. Cancellations received seven days or more before departure will receive a full refund. Cancellations received within seven days of departure are non-refundable unless otherwise agreed in writing.Requests to change the date of a booking will be accommodated where possible and are subject to availability.We understand that genuine emergencies and exceptional circumstances can occur and may consider these individually at our discretion.Different cancellation conditions may apply to private group bookings, special events, trade bookings or bookings made through third parties. Where this is the case, the conditions advised at the time of booking will apply.If weather, track conditions or other safety concerns mean the planned walk cannot go ahead, we may offer an alternative itinerary or the opportunity to reschedule. If we are unable to provide a suitable alternative, you will receive a full refund.For tours booked specifically for guests arriving by cruise ship, if your ship is unable to dock at Lyttelton on the scheduled day, we will refund 75% of the amount paid.If your ship docks but you choose not to join the tour or miss the departure, the standard cancellation and no-show conditions apply. If disembarkation is delayed due to ship or port operations, we will make reasonable efforts to adjust the departure where possible.Bookings made through a travel agent or third-party booking platform may be subject to that provider’s cancellation terms.

Question 15

What happens if my cruise ship is unable to dock?

Accepted Answer

For direct bookings, the standard cancellation policy applies if you choose to cancel your booking. For bookings of 1–4 guests, you will receive a full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours before departure. For bookings of 5 or more guests, you will receive a full refund if you cancel at least seven days before departure.If your cruise ship is unable to dock at Lyttelton on the scheduled day, we will refund 75% of the amount paid, with the remaining 25% retained to help cover non-refundable catering, vehicle and other pre-booked operational costs.If your cruise ship docks but you choose not to join the tour or miss the departure, the standard cancellation and no-show conditions apply. If disembarkation is delayed due to ship or port operations, we will make reasonable efforts to adjust the departure where possible.If your ship’s arrival or departure time changes, we will make reasonable efforts to adjust the tour where possible. Any changes will take into account the ship’s revised schedule and the safe operation of the tour.For bookings made through a travel agent or third-party booking platform, refunds may need to be processed by that provider, and their own terms and conditions may also apply.

Question 16

What food and drink will you provide?

Accepted Answer

On our Full Day Walk, we provide your choice of tea of coffee at a café, morning snacks (fresh seasonal fruit and trail mix or a muesli bar), and a picnic lunch of roast vegetable frittata, coleslaw and chocolate.  You will also receive a souvenir 500 ml stainless steel water bottle to keep that you can refill along the way. On our Half Day Walk, we provide morning or afternoon snacks (fresh seasonal fruit and trail mix or a muesli bar), and a souvenir 500 ml stainless steel water bottle to keep, but lunch is not included.We can cater for most dietary requirements. Please let us know about any dietary needs or allergies when booking.All food and drinks are included in the price.

Question 17

What if I have special dietary requirements?

Accepted Answer

No problem. We offer vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options. Please let us know about any allergies, intolerances or other dietary requirements when making your booking so we can cater for you appropriately.

Question 18

Will I need walking poles, and are they provided?

Accepted Answer

Yes, walking poles are provided, and we recommend using them. They offer extra stability on uneven or wet tracks, improve balance and help reduce strain on your knees and legs, particularly when walking downhill. They can also provide additional support and power on uphill sections. Your guide will help you adjust and use them correctly.

Question 19

How do I pay for the walk?

Accepted Answer

Payment is made at the time of booking through our secure online booking system. We accept most major credit cards.

Question 20

Do I need to tip in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Tipping is not customary or expected in New Zealand. However, if you feel your guide provided exceptional service, a tip is always greatly appreciated.

Question 21

Is transport included?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Return transport from accommodation within 5 km of central Christchurch is included with our guided walks. Please provide your accommodation details when booking so we can confirm your pick-up time and location. Pick-ups from outside this area may incur an additional charge.You will travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned 12-seater van or, if you have booked a private walk, an SUV.

Question 22

What should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Please bring comfortable walking shoes with good traction, suitable clothing, sunscreen and any personal medication you may require. We provide walking poles, a lightweight backpack to use during the walk, snacks and water. A picnic lunch is also included on Full Day Walks.

Question 23

Are there toilets along the way?

Accepted Answer

Yes. On the Half Day Walk, toilet facilities are available at the Godley Head car park at the beginning and end of the walk.On the Full Day Walk, toilets are available at the café, at Taylors Mistake where the walk begins and ends, and at the Godley Head car park, where we make our first stop approximately halfway through the walk.

Question 24

Can I book a private walk?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our private guided walks are exclusively for your group and can be tailored to your interests, fitness level and schedule. They are an excellent option for families, couples and guests who prefer greater flexibility or a more personalised experience.

Question 25

What happens if it rains?

Accepted Answer

Our walks usually go ahead in light rain, so please bring a weatherproof jacket. If the forecast or track conditions make walking unsafe, we will contact you to discuss an alternative itinerary, a different date or a refund.

Question 26

What is included in the price?

Accepted Answer

Our guided walks include an experienced local guide, return transport from central Christchurch, walking poles, snacks, and a stainless steel water bottle to keep, and a light weight backpack to use for the day. Full Day Walks also include a café stop and a picnic lunch.Lunch is not included on our Christchurch city tours, but can be purchased during your free time at Riverside Market.Lunch is not included on the Akaroa Day Trip. You can choose from a range of cafés and restaurants in Akaroa village, and your guide can provide recommendations and make a reservation on your behalf.

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