Scarborough and Godley Head: my favourite Port Hills walk

Posted By: Michal 25.8.2025

I may have mentioned it before, but this walk – along with its endless variations – is one of my favourites in the Port Hills. It’s both civilised and wild, and it offers some of the best views in the area. Numerous “shortcuts” allow you to make the walk as hard as you like. It’s best to start at sunrise, when stunning Scarborough, with its extensive views over Christchurch and the bays of Banks Peninsula, can be enjoyed in the soft, interesting light.

The walk begins at Cave Rock in Sumner, from where it follows the Esplanade, which connects to Flowers Track (actual marked track) and then to Taylor’s Mistake Track. A mixture of architecturally stunning houses and original homes provides a striking contrast, sparking curious thoughts. Just before Taylor’s Mistake Beach, a “shortcut” can be taken: descending to the rocky beach is somewhat more interesting than heading up the stairs. Some of the oldest and most run-down baches of Taylor’s Mistake are located along this rocky stretch.

From Taylor’s Mistake, the track follows the Godley Head Walkway all the way to Awaroa / Godley Head. A detour to Boulder Bay is worthwhile: it’s a unique, wild settlement where pāua shells can be found. A number of shags regularly gather there from their nearby colonies. From Godley Head, the walk continues along the Awaroa–Godley Head Loop Track, which forms part of the Crater Rim Walkway. Captain Thomas Track is perhaps the most interesting option for returning to Cave Rock. The final couple of kilometres passes through the Sumner suburb. Alternative options of getting back include taking the Scarborough Bluffs Track to reconnect with Captain Thomas Track, or continuing all the way to Mt Pleasant before coming back down via Clifton / Richmond Hill.

Carmela and I did this track on a beautiful winter day. We met at Cave Rock at sunrise, which proved an excellent choice, as the track offered both tranquillity and stunning light conditions.

Stats: 20 km, 5h 15min, 720 m ascent. The route on NZ TopoMap (download below)

Participants: Michal Klajban (leader, scribe, GPX), Carmela Terrobias
Tramped on 27th July 2025.

Photos

Map

Total distance: 20704 m
Max elevation: 322 m
Min elevation: -6 m

Download file: GPX-hikingisgood-com-nz-2025-Godley_Head_walk.gpx

Michal

I lived a pretty ordinary life for a while. I did my studies, my second studies, my third studies, my first job, my second job, and my third job. I wasn’t really sure what’s going on so, in 2014, I left my home country (Czechia) to learn about the world. I’m still not sure what’s going on but I enjoy it much more. I lived in a few countries before settling in New Zealand.