Extinct Christchurch Volcano
A special Adventure at Godley Head
The Garden City of New Zealand is full of fantastic views. When the sun is out, it’s just one of the most stunning places to spend your day, week or life! If you’re here and have a few spare days, make one of them the chance to go and visit our iconic surrounding hills, the Port Hills. As stunning as they are, few of our visitors know the history and the dramatic creation of these hills and how they affect our city.
Join me on a day of adventure and explorations as we travel through Christchurch City and up into the hills. This trip is for perfect for:
- Families needing an exciting and rewarding day out into the hills.
- Those new to the hiking world or needing something steady and manageable.
- If you’re looking for stunning views out to the Pacific Ocean, the Lyttelton bays and Christchurch City.
- Want to spend some time with a Cantabrian local and get all the best, local knowledge.
Starting in a sleepy, beachside suburb of Christchurch, the track sidles across the Port Hills and combines panoramic views with historic WW2 remains and cute Kiwi baches that may inspire you to relocate… This happens over an ancient lava flow you’d likely miss if you didn’t have a local pointing it out.
I’m a born and bred Cantabrian and can tell you everything you need to know about our unique Garden City, including our local flora and fauna. I’m nuts about getting outdoors and I am really excited to show you my hometown. Once we’ve finished our walk, there is also the opportunity to join me on a drive across the Banks Peninsula, taking in stunning views of Christchurch and Lyttelton as the sun begins to lower over our staunch and beautiful city.
Jackie
I’m an absolute outdoors nut that is always up for a challenge. I love NZ and love showing and teaching others about our beautiful homeland even more. If I’m not paddling, pedalling or running you will find me hiking in the mountains. As a born and bred Kiwi I love everything to do with this beautiful place. I truly believe it is one of the best places on earth and there is no better way to see it than by getting out and exploring. I have a passion for teaching others about the outdoors and love to see people thriving in the NZ wilderness. I have a creative streak so you may even get to experience some outdoor crafts on your journey, or some fresh baked goods.
Experience
- Peak Safety 2-day Outdoor First Aid
- Full time professional tour guide throughout New Zealand
A Kiwi Day out
Since the earthquakes, Christchurch has been ever-changing and there is much to see. We’ll start the day in one of my favourite local cafes, before heading out towards the car park. This is a great chance for us to perhaps wander around the dynamic streets of the central city and get to know each other better.
Following the coastline, a steady climb leads us to the top of the Port Hills. There are several interesting spots along the way, including the remains of a WW2 battery, traditional Kiwi baches and lookouts inviting for a break to soak in the views. We can pull over and walk many of the tracks that criss-cross the farmlands, or if you want to just take it slow and steady, we can drive straight there.
This is an easy, rewarding day trip that takes up to 3 hours or more depending on how we get on. Perfect if you want to escape the city and see it from above, or for families and elderly who are happy to go steady.
If you’re up for it, I’ll take you for a short drive along the tops of our Banks Peninsula, before heading back. Think 360-degree views up there stretch from the ocean all the way to the distant Southern Alps, planes leaving our airport and clouds rolling in from the West Coast; it’s amazing.
We will round off the day back in the city where I can give you some more ideas on where to and perhaps drive around some nice spots I like to go too. It’s completely flexible!
Gear
All tours require the proper gear to ensure you’re having the time of your life, and are well prepared if things go south. It’s the real and rugged New Zealand out there!
Required
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750ML Water Bottle
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Day Pack
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Hiking Pants
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Rain Jacket
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Recreational Footwear
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Sunscreen & hat
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Top Base layer
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Warm hat & gloves (March to October)
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Whistle
Optional
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Hiking Socks
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Insect Repellent
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Personal First Aid Kit
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Warm hiking layer
Extras
There are add-on extras for this tour. These are the little things that’ll either make your Adventure easier to organise or more rugged - your choice. You can add these during the booking process.
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Banks Peninsula Drive
If you're looking to experience more of the beautiful surroundings of the Port Hills, then we will add this drive after our walk for some incredible photo opportunities.
+ $25 NZD
Q & A
Your Bushman has added a couple of answers to questions other Visitors have asked in the past to help you with your booking plans. Once you book a tour, you'll be in direct contact with your Bushman for more support.
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Is this good for the elderly?
Certainly. If you're wanting something steady that has safe, well-maintained tracks, this is for you. The views are perfect the whole way round and there is plenty of space for other people to get passed if they need.
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What happens if the weather is bad?
The Port Hills tend to make their own weather system from time to time. When it's clear down the bottom, the hills can be covered in clouds. The best thing is to wait it out as they usually clear. There are other options and other hills we could look at if it's too bad - but we will work this out on the days leading up to the trip.
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Is there good wildlife spotting up there?
Yes, you can multiple farms around the hills usually packed full of sheep. You can also see right out into the ocean and on occasion, dolphins, seals and humpback whales can be spotted. I'll help show you what to look for. You will also have a good view of the seabirds here.
FAQs
Here’s a few answers to the more general questions about the whole journey. You can visit our help and support area for any further information or contact us via the chat function.
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What is the refund and cancellation policy?
Bushman Tours sets a standard cancellation policy that can be found via our Terms & Conditions. This is globally set at 48 hours notice. However, Bushmen may add to this depending on the requirements for the Adventure (e.g. - hiring gear and renting equipment on your behalf). The final policy will be located at the bottom of the checkout, or you can reach out to us to check.
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What happens if the tour is cancelled due to weather?
In most cases, the Bushman can arrange another day to run your tour, but this also comes down to when you're available if travelling through New Zealand. We recommend ensuring you have insurance for cancellation of any tours. If the Bushman has to cancel due to a health risk, we will call you to arrange another option.
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What gear do I need?
Although we have a minimum requirement of gear, you will need the right equipment and gear that is relevant to the Adventure you're booking. This is usually found at the bottom of each tour page, but for our minimum, please visit our FAQs & blog page.
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Can I hire gear/equipment?
In some circumstances, your Bushman will have equipment for you to hire. This is available to browse and book through the checkout. We may also have options through our checkout. Although you may be able to borrow gear during the tour, it's important to reserve it now.
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What food shall I bring?
Depending on the length, this can vary. Your Bushman will advise on the tour page what is recommended for this particular Adventure, but typically, what we offer at checkout via the add-ons section is what you'll need. Keep it lightweight and nutritious if you buy your own.
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Where do I meet my Bushman?
We always try to pick the closest iSite (Visitor Centre) to your Adventure's location. Instructions on precisely where to meet are sent after the booking is made. However, you can also message your Bushman and arrange another location as long as it's close enough to the region.
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How much extra is it to add family/friends onto the booking?
If you book and find that more people want to come with you, we can arrange to add them onto the booking (this is dependant on the Bushman's preference to the number of people to take out). The more that book on the original checkout option, the cheaper the fee for each individual - so spread the word before you go to book! Please note, you cannot add or bring extra people 48 hours before the tour starts.
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Can I talk to my Bushman before the Adventure?
Absolutely! Once you book, you will be able to login and chat directly to your Bushman through a private, secure chat. Here you can arrange some extras you would like to do, timings for pick up and much more.
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Need more help?
In the area
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