Godley Head Campsite
15 Rankers Reviews
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Awaroa/Godley Head closures
The Awaroa/Godley Head Lighthouse Cottage and Campsite are closed temporarily.
This is because unsafe levels of asbestos and other contaminants were found in some areas. The area that people need to avoid is marked. The gun emplacements are also included in this closed off area. There is no public access to the camping area or military compound.
The main car park and toilets are now open, no access is permitted beyond here.
Godley Head Loop Track has a bypass in place because the track is closed where it passes through the military compound.
First published on 17 November 2021. Last reviewed on 28 March 2022.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
Central government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Christchurch |
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Categories |
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Operating Season And Hours |
Currently closed for asbestos removal. |
Reviews
Showing 13 reviews of 15.
Rob
Ranking: 5/10
Great views, however when looking at value for money this site disappointed.
At $15 per person the facilities were in a terrible state. We’ve stayed at a ton of doc campsites for less than this and considering whites bay is $8 per person with cleaned toilets and a shower this one just didn’t cut the mustard, theres another camp for $10 a site at waihora park domain en route to Akaroha.
Rebecca
Ranking: 10/10
If you want to stay somewhere that has outrageously good views then this is the place! Absolutely stunning whatever way you looked. We were able to park in a spot that overlooked both the entrance to lyttleton harbour and on the other side Christchurch and up the east coast of the South Island. The sunrise in the morning was exceptional and we struck a time when there was not a breath of wind. Toilet was clean and there was a sink outside with drinking water and a place to do dishes easily. Highly recommend! Wasn't busy at all when we were there either which was brilliant.
Nickimay
Ranking: 8/10
Totally stunning spot. Scary drive up (for me...hubby was fine!) in our 7 metre bus as road quite steep and very narrow. Some spots have views of Lyttelton Harbour and also of Christchurch, the Alps and coastline right up the East Coast. Sunrise from the WW2 gun batteries was incredible. Thourougly recomend this spot! Apart from walkers, we had the place to ourselves. Only reason for 8/10 is very basic amenities for the price. Book online at least a few hours in advance. We didn’t and waited for a gate code a couple hours then had to ring, but it was quickly given to us over the phone.
Chloe
Ranking: 8/10
We enjoyed our stay here. Even though apparently the camp ground was fully booked there was heaps of room and we chose a wee spot with a table and only had neighbours one night! So nice and private. Beautiful view out to sea as well. The toilets were clean but there was no hand soap so bring your own. The sunrise and sunset are apparently amazing but both were cloudy so we missed out. The only downfall of this campsite was that there were heaps of dogs running around off lead and nobody seemed to keep their dogs under control or near them. Our dog was happily tied up with us but it was annoying having lots of dogs come to visit him as we try and avoid on lead greetings. And a handy tip, bring your rubbish inside at night as ours was apparently delicious :)
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Liz Wade
Ranking: 10/10
The route to this campsite is quite a challenging drive in a camper van ( but possible). You wouldn’t want to park here if you intended using it as a base for day trips but if, like us, you were quite happy to use it as a base for walking locally, it is ideal. Beautiful views and plenty of space. We didn’t use the facilities ( which are open to the general public) but they looked clean. The weather was good for our stay but it is quite exposed if the weather is stormy. The email system for booking worked well.
K G
Ranking: 10/10
Lovely location with beautiful views & walks from campsite. Very nice and quiet even on a Dec weekend
Katie
Ranking: 9/10
Beautiful spot with lots to explore. Flush toilets, potable water, and a sink for doing dishes. Windy and not much shade, though.
Keith & Kay Finlayson
Ranking: 10/10
The view from Godley Head is amazing. The campsite is quite plain but the toilet facilities were neat and tidy. We were the only occupants though so it might be a bit busy in peak season. It cost $15 per adult and an early booking is a must because you need a code for the gate and it takes awhile for DOC to get that to you.
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Kelly Linn
Ranking: 8/10
Beautiful camping spot! Hardly anyone around. Amazing sunset and sunrise. So close to Christchurch! We loved this spot. Getting in the gate was difficult, code didn’t come in for 5 hours after we booked online (it said it was supposed to within an hour) the lovely DPC worker on site let us in the gate when we got a hold of her. But don’t expect to show up and get in immediately!
Thematthew
Ranking: 8/10
Decent site, top of the hill, lovely views to Lyttleton and Sumner
Grizzly Girl
Ranking: 8/10
Overall nice location close to Christchurch. The road coming in was not bad even in inclement weather. Drinking water present. 8/10 for this DOC campsite due to relative expense for what you get, difficulty with gate access, and only one bathroom working.
Clobby
Ranking: 9/10
Great drive to the site, simple DOC operation, book online and receive the gate code. Find a pitch, choose carefully for the best views, go for a walk and just enjoy, perfect arrangement for us.
Basic but clean toilets as well and peaceful nights sleep.
Martin Sluka
Ranking: 10/10
Beautiful view, not too overcrowded, toilet available and relatively clean, very quiet.
DOC Managed
Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍
