Lyttelton Shore Excursion – Guided Walking Tour and Picnic

If you’re visiting Christchurch and looking for a way to combine a bit of adventure with some stunning scenery, this guided walking tour around Lyttelton might be just what you need. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it’s a solid choice for outdoor lovers who want to see the best of Canterbury’s coast without the stress of planning every detail.

What really draws people in are the beautiful coastal views and the friendly, knowledgeable guides—both of which consistently come up as highlights. Plus, the inclusion of a picnic lunch and the chance to spot seals, dolphins, and native birds make this a well-rounded experience.

One thing to keep in mind is the cost—at around $186 per person, it’s not the cheapest day out, but many feel the scenery, the guide’s expertise, and the overall experience justify the price. It’s best suited for active travelers who enjoy hiking, want a relaxed pace with plenty of photo opportunities, and don’t mind a few inclines along the way.

If that sounds like your kind of day, this tour might just be worth considering.

Key Points

• Convenient pickup and drop-off at Lyttelton Port makes logistics straightforward.
• Guided walks with included walking poles ensure you’re comfortable, even if you’re not a seasoned hiker.
• Beautiful coastal scenery and wildlife sightings, such as seals and dolphins, happen regularly.
• Flexible stops allow plenty of time for photos and enjoying the views.
• A tasty picnic lunch in Boulder Bay offers a relaxing break amid stunning surroundings.
• Small-group size (max 10 travelers) means a more personalized experience.

What You Can Expect During the Tour

Easy Start at Sumner Beach

Your day begins with a pick-up at Lyttelton Port, making it simple to join without extra hassle. From there, you’ll be whisked in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan to Sumner Beach—just about a 10-minute drive. We love that this initial stop includes a hot drink on a seaside café deck—a perfect way to settle in and start the day with a view.

This first stop sets a laid-back tone and gives you a chance to soak up some ocean air before hitting the trails. Reviewers often mention how much they appreciated this relaxed warm-up, with one saying, “The coffee stop beforehand was a wonderful touch.” Expect a mix of coastlines and rocky views, perfect for snapping some early photos.

Taylors Mistake and Awaroa / Godley Head Walk

Next, you’ll head to Taylors Mistake, a lovely black sand surf beach with quaint baches (small holiday homes). Here, your guide hands out backpacks, snacks, and walking poles—think of them as your hiking essentials. The walk from this beach to Godley Head is about three hours, covering a well-maintained, undulating track.

This part of the tour is praised for its stunning scenery—cliffs, ocean views, and the chance to see military remnants from WWII. It’s a pretty popular spot for hikers, and many reviews highlight how manageable the walk is, even for those in their 60s or less experienced walkers. One reviewer said, “Many of us were in our 60s and had a moderate workout—not too strenuous at all.”

The Godley Head Loop Track

This is the star of the tour—and understandably so. The Godley Head Loop is known as one of Christchurch’s most beautiful hikes. The track’s undulating terrain offers a variety of views, including scenic coastal panoramas, rugged cliffs, and historical landmarks like Scott’s Hutt, a small shelter used by Antarctic explorers.

Expect about three hours of walking. The trail is described as well-maintained, making it suitable for most fitness levels, though some reviews mention it can be slightly challenging, especially if you’re not used to hiking. A few reviewers shared that while it’s mostly manageable, the inclines can get your heart rate up without being overwhelming.

Seals and dolphins are common sightings during the walk, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot native birds along the way. Many guests find this part of the tour to be the highlight, with one person noting, “The scenery was fantastic, and our guide was fabulous.”

Boulder Bay Picnic and Return to Lyttelton

After the hike, your guide will bring you to Boulder Bay for a well-earned picnic lunch. Surrounded by striking mountain views and the Southern Alps in the distance, it’s a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy your food. The included lunch is described as “beyond yummy,” with fresh and tasty options, plus snacks and water provided.

On the way back, your guide offers a drop-off at Lyttelton Port, or, if you prefer, a transfer into Christchurch city for some extra exploring—something many reviews recommend if your schedule allows.

What the Reviews Say

Reviewers consistently praise the guide’s knowledge and friendliness—multiple mentions of guides like Flick, Dee, and Nicole highlight their helpfulness and local insights. One happy guest said, “Flick was wonderful,” emphasizing the friendly, personalized touch.

The scenery is another recurring theme—photos from guests show stunning cliffs, ocean vistas, and wildlife encounters. Many folks find the walks to be very manageable, even if they’re not seasoned hikers, thanks to the well-maintained trails and generous stops.

Some mention that the hike, while mostly easy, can be a tad challenging for those in less-than-ideal shape—so it’s good to be prepared for some inclines. The tour lasts about 5 hours, which includes a mix of driving, walking, and relaxing, providing a good balance of activity and downtime.

Price and Value

At around $186 per person, this tour is on the higher end for a day trip, but most reviews agree the price reflects the quality of the experience—beautiful scenery, knowledgeable guides, and a relaxed pace. The small group size (up to 10 people) means you’re not just another face in a crowd, and the included amenities like walking poles, snacks, and the picnic lunch add to the value.

If you’re someone who values comfort, personalized attention, and a good mix of activity and relaxation, this tour is often considered well worth the cost.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This guided walk suits active travelers who enjoy moderate hiking and want to see Canterbury’s coast from a unique perspective. It’s especially good for those who appreciate small-group experiences and might want extra attention from guides.

It’s also ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed day that combines light physical activity with plenty of photo stops and wildlife sightings. The included picnic lunch and the scenic drive make it easy to enjoy the day without worrying about logistics or meals.

While it’s generally not overly strenuous, those with mobility issues or who dislike inclines might want to consider their fitness level beforehand. If you’re traveling with children, it’s best to ensure they’re comfortable with about three hours of walking on uneven terrain.

In short, this tour will appeal most to outdoor lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to combine light hiking with stunning coastal views and a touch of history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, including transportation, walking, and stops for food and photos.

What is included in the price?
The price covers port pickup, local guide, transport in an air-conditioned minivan, walking poles, coffee and/or tea, lunch, and snacks.

Is the walk suitable for all fitness levels?
Most travelers find it manageable, with plenty of stops. However, some parts are a bit undulating, and a few reviews mention that it could be challenging if you’re not used to walking on uneven terrain or inclines.

Can I request a different drop-off point?
Yes, if time allows, you can request to be dropped off into Christchurch city instead of returning directly to Lyttelton Port.

Are wildlife sightings common?
Yes, seals, dolphins, and native birds are often seen during the tour, adding an exciting wildlife element to the experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a camera, and a water bottle are recommended. The tour provides walking poles, but bringing your own if you prefer is fine.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed for children, the manageable pace and scenic walks make it suitable for active families with older children who are comfortable with moderate hiking.

Final Thoughts

This Lyttelton guided walking tour and picnic offers a wonderful blend of coastal scenery, wildlife encounters, and light exercise. The strong reviews speak to the quality of the guides and the memorable views, making it a particularly appealing option for those who want to explore Canterbury’s rugged coast without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy being active but also appreciate moments of relaxation and stunning natural beauty. With a small-group setting, personalized attention, and a focus on scenic vistas, this experience promises a day of memorable nature and good company—perfect for your Christchurch stop.