New Zealand: Christchurch Walks

Because of our schedule change to work around bad weather, we found ourselves walking around Christchurch more than we had planned.

To the south of the city is the harbour formed by an eroded ancient volcanic crater. There is a Crater Rim Walkway trail and a mess of trails on the northern side of the crater. By using the city bus, we pieced together a dozen walks, from the top of the crater at Cashmere to the bottom at Lyttelton harbor. It happened to be a Saturday. There were every kind of resident on every trail, walking, running, cycling, mountain biking.... We happened to have picked up a paper map of the area. Every now and then I wanted to pull it out to gratify myself on our progress. However, every time we pulled out the map, the super friendly ChCh-ers would stop in their tracks wanting to help us with directions. I ended up keeping the map firmly tucked away.

On our last day, the weather was good. It was time for the Godley Heads Loop track. We took the city bus to Sumner, instead of trudging over the hill to the trailhead at Taylors Mistake Beach. We ubered. I can see this is the beginning of the future. The walk was beautiful and enjoyable.

View back north to the CBD and the One New Zealand Stadium as we approach the Epic Crater Rim Walkway.


Almost at the Epic Crater Rim Walkway


Another view to the CBD. The Stadium appears very small under John's left arm.


The Iconic Sugarloaf Hill and Communications Tower.


Continuing east on the Crater Rim Walkway with views to the CBD in the distance, with sheep and cyclists in the foreground.


John on the ridge with a view south to Governors Bay.


Sun-Ling checks the offline map as we approach Mount Vernon and stop for lunch. Great views of Governors Bay.








Our endurance, but not our spirits, were flagging a bit after lunch, as we walked on a very breezy (see video 1st below) Summit Road with occasional views down to Lyttleton.








And a view to the Pacific Ocean.


Down the Bridal Path to Lyttelton Harbour and Port and our return bus to Christchurch.








Godley Head Loop Track Signage.


Taylors Mistake Beach


Walking along the Pacific Ocean on the Godley Head Loop Track.






We ate our lunch at the WWII-era Taylor Battery with a view to the South Pacific.




Leaving the Pacific Ocean and walking along Governors Bay.




View back to Taylor Battery.


The wind from the south was strong that day. See the video below.


And Lyttelton Harbour comes into view.


Finally, we walk back towards Taylors Mistake Beach with more views of the sparkling blue Pacific.