Hiking

Godley Head—Taylors Mistake Walkway. To reach this scenic track take the coast road through Sumner then take a left turn at the summit intersection. The road climbs and winds for several kilometers before breaking out above Lyttelton Harbour with startling views to the hills of Banks Peninsula. You'll see some of the World War II coastal defense battery built in 1939; rated one of the country's significant defense-heritage sites, but following the earthquakes, the gun emplacements are now fenced off. There's also a 1½-hour walking track from here back to Taylors Mistake near Sumner (although you'll need to arrange a pickup at the other end, or plan on a three-hour round-trip). The Godley Head lookout is particularly exciting in a strong southerly wind! www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks.

Port Hills Walks. Christchurch's Port Hills are worth climbing for spectacular views of the city, the Southern Alps, and Banks Peninsula. This is the route the first settlers took when they arrived at the port of Lyttelton. Well-marked tracks include the Bridle Path, Rapaki Track, and the Bowenvale-Sugarloaf Circuit. www.christchurchnz.com/walk-canterbury/christchurch/port-hills-walks.