Awaroa/Godley Head Campsite
Located in Awaroa/Godley Head and Christchurch area in the Canterbury region
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Introduction
Camp in the middle of a WWII defence battery site with great ocean views and a range of scenic walks.Access
- Campervan
- Car
- Caravan
Landscape
- Coastal
Facilities
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Toilets - flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Wheelchair accessible with assistance
Activities
- Bird and wildlife watching
- Mountain biking
- Walking and tramping
Seasonal restrictions
Fires are not permitted at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Dog access
Services
- Caretaker on-site
- Mobile coverage
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Passes
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite.
Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge. Sites may not be available if you do not book.
Bookings
Book Godley Head Campsite online.
If you have not received your confirmation letter by email within 1 hour of booking, contact the DOC Christchurch Visitor Centre. Your confirmation email contains the gate code which you need for entry to the campsite.
From the suburb of Sumner in Christchurch, follow Wakefield Ave which later becomes Evans Pass Road for 3.5 km. Turn left onto the Summit Road and follow the winding, sealed road for 6.5 km.
When you arrive at Awaroa/Godley Head the entrance to the campground is gated, with a combination code. You will be emailed the gate lock code with a valid booking prior to your arrival. Bookings must be made before 8 pm of the evening your arrival.
The area can be accessed from Lyttelton via Tapuwaeharuru/Evans Pass and the Summit Road to Godley Head.
The sealed road is narrow, has sharp corners and steep drops off the sides. Drive with care.
The Summit Road to Awaroa/Godley Head is popular with cyclists. Keep left, reduce speed and keep a lookout for oncoming cyclists.
Location
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1584125, N5173810
Latitude: -43.5885043, Longitude: 172.8044701
- The campsite is exposed to wind and bad weather.
- Treefall risk – we advise that camping under trees in windy/stormy conditions is not advised due to the risk of a tree/branch fall.
All drone use must be authorised by DOC
You must have a permit to fly a drone on public conservation land.
Follow all signage related to historic contaminants
The Godley Head area had soil contamination remediation work completed in 2024. This work took place at the WW2 coastal defence heritage buildings.
Contaminated soil is capped (buried) on-site. Visitors must follow the signage at site. This includes keeping dogs on leads as digging is not allowed.
If you are planning an event, check if you need a concession
If you wish to run an event at Godley Head, you may require a concession. A pre-application meeting is highly recommended. You should contact the local Sockburn office a minimum of 2 months out from the date of your event. Note wedding ceremonies and receptions at Godley Head are not currently supported.
See Other activities: Running your business or activity for more information.
Heritage sightseeing
Explore the WWII coastal defence battery site. Good intepretation tells the story of the area.
Mountain biking
From the carpark at the entrance to the Military Compound, there is a mountain bike track that travels below the main road to the Breeze Col car park. From there, the shared use Anaconda Track descends steeply to Taylors Mistake beach.
Swimming and surfing
Nearby Taylors Mistake beach is a popular swimming and surfing spot.
Walking and tramping
Awaroa/Godley Head Loop Track passes through the campsite. It provide options for a walk around the coast or around the headland.
Stay at the Lighthouse Cottage
The campsite is about 50 minutes drive from the centre of Christchurch, and is close to the seaside suburb of Sumner with pleasant beaches and cafes.
Contacts
| Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre | |
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| Phone | +64 3 318 9211 |
| arthurspassvc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 104 West Coast Road Arthur's Pass 7654 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |