Godley Head Campsite
Standard campsiteLocated in Awaroa/Godley Head, CanterburyOpen
- Sites
- 25
- Booking
- Can book
- Cost
- from $18
- Power
- None
- Toilet
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Boil first
- Dogs
- On a lead
Getting there
From the suburb of Sumner in Christchurch, follow Wakefield Ave which later becomes Evans Pass Road for 3.5 km. Turn left onto the Summit Road and follow the winding, sealed road for 6.5 km.
When you arrive at Awaroa/Godley Head the entrance to the campground is gated, with a combination code. You will be emailed the gates' lock code in your booking confirmation prior to your arrival. Note: there is a second gate in front of the carpark (before the campsite gate) that is locked overnight - both have the same lock code. Bookings must be made before 8 pm of the evening your arrival.
The area can be accessed from Lyttelton via Tapuwaeharuru/Evans Pass and the Summit Road to Godley Head.
The sealed road is narrow, has sharp corners and steep drops off the sides. Drive with care.The Summit Road to Awaroa/Godley Head is popular with cyclists. Keep left, reduce speed and keep a lookout for oncoming cyclists.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 43.58863° S, 172.80274° E
About this place
Camp in the middle of a WWII defence battery site with great ocean views and a range of scenic walks.
Know before you go
No drones
Flying a drone without a permit is strictly prohibited. Drone use on conservation land
Follow all signage related to historic contaminants
The Godley Head area had soil contamination remediation work completed in 2024. This work took place at the WW2 coastal defence heritage buildings. Contaminated soil is capped (buried) on-site. Visitors must follow the signage at site. This includes keeping dogs on leads as digging is not allowed.
If you are planning an event, check if you need a concession
If you wish to run an event at Godley Head, you may require a concession. A pre-application meeting is highly recommended. You should contact the local Sockburn office a minimum of 2 months out from the date of your event. Note wedding ceremonies and receptions at Godley Head are not currently supported. See Other activities: Running your business or activity for more information.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Fees and bookings
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite. Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge. Sites may not be available if you do not book.
Book Godley Head Campsite online. You will be emailed the combination code for the campground gate with your booking confirmation. Note: there is a second gate in front of the carpark (before the campsite gate) that is locked overnight - both gates have the same lock code.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Lighthouse Cottage
Canterbury • 0.2 km
Lighthouse Cottage is a well-equipped lodge located within the Godley Head Campsite in Canterbury. It offers views along the coastline and is situated in an…
Purau Restricted Area
Canterbury • 7 km
South New Brighton Holiday Park
Canterbury • 8.1 km
South New Brighton Holiday Park is a campsite located in the Canterbury region. It offers accommodation for visitors in the South New Brighton area.
Naval Point Freedom Camping Area
Canterbury • 8.2 km
Monument Shelter Hut
Canterbury • 9.6 km
Walks nearby
Awaroa/Godley Head Loop Track
Easy • 3 hr loop • 9.3 km • 0.71 km away
Mount Pleasant Track
Easiest • 35 minutes • 1.1 km • 5.22 km away
Major Hornbrook Track
Easiest • 1 hr • 1 km • 6.64 km away
Ōtamahua/Quail Island tracks
Easy • 2 hr 30 min for complete island circuit • 4.5 km • 9.62 km away
Mount Herbert Walkway/Te Ahu Pātiki
Advanced • 6 – 8 hr return • 14 km • 9.82 km away
Contact
Arthur's Pass National Park Visitor Centre
104 West Coast Road, Arthur's Pass 7654
Regional DOC service centre.
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Sources
- OpenStreetMap Campsites · ODbL (Open Database License)Contains information from OpenStreetMap, made available under the ODbL.
- DOC Campsites (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).
- DOC Campsites · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.