Tour Basics:
Heading South-East out of Christchurch our first stop is on the shores of Ihutai at McCormicks Bay, before heading into Sumner to explore Cave Rock and the local beach. From there, it’s off to historic Godley Head with its expansive views of North Canterbury and the Lyttelton Harbour
Duration: 4 Hours
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Itinerary
Heading out of Christchurch via Ferry Rd we soon find ourselves sidling round the edge of the Avon-Heathcote Estuary along the edge of Mcormacks Bay before the first of two brief stops on Beachville Rd in Redcliffs suburb. From there we head around Moncks Bay past Moncks Cave and Shag Rock before stopping at Sumner Beach and exploring Cave Rock
From there we work our way along Sumner Beach (walk or drive!) to the eastern end of the beach to check out the Sumner-Scarborough Clock Tower Memorial, before heading up the narrow, twisting Scarborough Rd that takes us up the hill and onto Taylors Mistake Rd that we follow through to Taylors Mistake Beach which, especially in summer, is very popular with swimmers and surfers alike
Taylors Mistake is also home to a number of cribs and baches that cling to the base of the cliffs and are constantly threatened by the surf. Most of the baches can only be accessed on foot, there being no road access. They make great photography subjects though!
From Taylors Mistake we backtrack over the hill towards Sumner, stopping briefly at Nicholson Park to admire the view out over Sumner and the seaside suburb of New Brighton and Southshore. Once back in Sumner we travel up Evans Pass onto the Summit Rd where we turn left and head out to Godley Head to explore the WW2 military installation. Time for a cuppa and a snack while we’re here.
Heading back to Evans Pass we now descend into Lyttelton via the Sumner Rd, with two additional stops at the Sumner Rd Lookout with views of Lyttelton Harbour and the open sea beyond, and at the restored Lyttelton Timeball, one of the only remaining operational timeballs in the world, and more great views of Lyttelton Harbour. From here it’s back on the road through Lyttelton township and the bays of Cass and Rapaki before climbing up Dyers Pass to the Sign of the Kiwi cafe. Great outlook over the city and Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps beyond. Ice-cream anyone? Finally, we return to Christchurch city via a rapid descent down Dyers Pass Rd to finish our tour
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Inclusions
- Pickup from some of the main hotels within Christchurch, or alternately from the Canterbury Museum
- Expert, knowledgeable guide
- Photography tuition (if required)
- Late model, air conditioned transport
- Snacks, beverages, and drinks
- Scenic stops