This walk showcases some of Canterbury's most spectacular coastal views, a penguin colony, quirky old baches and a slice of New Zealand's military history.

The track starts from the  car park at Taylors Mistake beach, one of Christchurch's premier surf breaks and a great spot for a swim and a picnic in summer. Pick up the Godley Head Coastal Walk track on the southern side of the bay that leads towards Godley Head past a row of historic baches.

The track hugs the coastline, offering views back to Whitewash Head and across Pegasus Bay to the Kaikoura Ranges. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way with a variety of seabirds including white-flippered penguins that nest along this coastline. If you are lucky you may spot a pod of rare Hector's dolphins, some seals or even a whale.

At Boulder Bay it is worth detouring down to the baches that line the rocky beach. The history of the characterful baches dates back to the 1880s when fishermen started building up the mouths of caves to provide shelter for their weekend's fishing. 

From here follow the track that hugs the coastline up and around the headland. This area is the site of a WWII coastal defence battery with gun emplacements, old military buildings and tunnels. Continue up the track towards the Godley Head car park, if you've organised transport, finish here. You can also return the same way. However if you want to complete the circuit, follow the Crater Rim Walkway east for about half an hour. The track takes you through dramatic rocky scenery with views across Lyttelton Harbour.