Pleasant walk to Godley Head

Press, 7 January 1982, Page 14

Pleasant walk to Godley Head

By

MARGARET BUTLER

Peaceful surroundings and a chance to get away from it all are the attractions at two Canterbury recreation spots — Godley Head, near the Lyttelton Harbour entrance, and Scarborough, near Sumner.

Both areas, which are not too far from Christchurch city, have pleasant walks for the more energetic holidaymaker, with good views of the surrounding areas. At Godley Head, the 6km walking track takes about two hours to complete. Opened in late 1979, this original walkway encircles Godley Head Farm Park. It can be reached from the Summit Road (the turn-off is well signposted by the AA), and from the road between Sumner and Taylors Mistake. Following a circular route, the walkway takes in views of the smaller bays, as well as Godley Head, named for the founder of Canterbury, John Robert Godley; and Taylors Mistake, named for Captain Taylor who is said to have mistaken the bay for Sumner.

The track is pleasant to follow, and stiles have been put up where it crosses fences. Be sure to wear sensible shoes and carry warm

clothing, as the walkway is quite exposed to the winds. lt is also a good idea to take, along food and drink as there are no nearby shops. . For the more adventurous, there is the new walkway extension, developed to take in features of military history at Godley Head, which was a coastal defence fortification set up in World War 11.

The extension is another 2km long, and would take about an hour to complete. It forms a loop off the existing walkway, starting at the carpark and public toilets at the end of the sealed road into the Farm Park.

Following the line of an original army track, this extension head's down towards headland cliffs and Mechanics Bay, where the remains of an old wharf can be seen among the rocks. A small side track winds round to the cliff edge to enter a sloping access tunnel, about 110 metres long. Side tunnels allow good views of the harbour and sea, and further on there are also views of Adderley Head.

Sumner with its beaches, estuary and rocky headlands '' was named after Dr J. B. Sumner; Archbishop of Canterbury and President of the Canterbury Association. This area, and above it, Scarborough, are popular spots at the week-end. To reach them from Cathedral Square, travel down High Street, Ferry Road and the Main Road through Linwood, Woolston, Ferrymead,' McCormacks Bay and Redcliffs. A scenic road leads from the Sumner life-boat shed to Nicholson Park at the top of the hill, and there are excellent views of Sumner, and along the coastline. From here, too, there are a number of pleasant walks. Nicholson Park - Sumner Head (10 minutes): From the carpark follow a clay track down through a botanical reserve to Sumner Head. Note the many exotic trees such as pine, macrocarpa, and Australian eucalypts. On clear days look out to the Kaikoura Peninsula, and beyond it the snow-capped peaks of the inland Kaikouras, 160kms away.

Sumner Head - Flowers Track (15 minutes): Heading back towards the Park, branch off midpoint along Flowers Track. This is fairly steep and leads to the Sumner life-boat shed. Boat Shed - Scarborough Road - Heberden Avenue (15 minutes): Near the bottom of Flowers Track turn left and follow a track along the uphill side of Scarborough Road. Cross the road and head along Mouldeys Track, and then to Heberden Avenue.

Sumner Head - Boat Shed (10 minutes): Follow a downhill track along the cliff edge and via Whitewash Head Road.

Sumner Head - Nicholson Park (15 minutes): This alternative return route to the Park is along a track leading from Sumner Head towards Taylors Mistake, up a steep slope, close to the cliff edge. The views are excellent.

These walks are considered unsuitable for unaccompanied children because of the steep cliff area. Further information on the routes mentioned is available from the city’s Information Centre at the corner of Oxford Terrace and Worcester Street.