Tues, 3rd Mar, 2026 (part2) Linfield Park free camp, Christchurch, NZ (Godley Head & Lyttelton)

Headed up the valley between grassy mountains then onto a narrow road along the edge of the mountain. I was holding my breath as I had the view straight down but I trust Steve’s driving, just not the crazy people coming towards us on this narrow road. The view is worth it though. We can make out the New Brighton Pier in the distance.

Climbing further with better view of mouth and estuary then around the point. Taylors Mistake below us.

Turned onto the road to Godley Head Reserve (Awaroa) - historical site. Black Rock is aptly named.

Into the car park where we found a good map. There is a campground here too which is good as there are lots of longer hikes to do. We will just be checking out the WW2 bunkers etc.

Along the road and through the gate that a chap had just opened to drive through. Otherwise we had to climb over the fence on the platforms. Nice flat area for camping. Passed old road barricades.

Continued along the road where workmen are fixing up some barracks. Others have been restored and can be hired for accommodation etc.

Spotted some stairs going down into the hillside. Lookout bunker.

Over another fence to the relocated lighthouse keepers’ house. It was brought up from the cliff face - now used for accommodation.

Continued on the track. Great view of the cliffs from this side which is the entrance to Lyttelton Harbour - Christchurch’s port area.

Good information provided.

We continued along to the gun emplacements. Lots of great information and murals.

Great view of ship coming into the bay towards Lyttelton.

Very interesting reading about how to shoot at a moving target.

The sun has come out so it is very pleasant. Continued on to the next one. Very interesting reading.

Looking back at the South Shore Spit area.

Back out along the old fence and over the fence again. Another house has been restored.

Back to the camper then walked further along to where sheep were wandering about. 

Another bunker and views of the Lyttelton Harbour.

Headed back out the narrow road again - luckily we didn’t meet many vehicles. It is very windy now. We laughed at this sign, exclamation mark and Cattle Stop - meaning a grid across the road - why cattle as there are only sheep here.

Turned onto the road to Lyttelton - another winding narrow road along the hills above the shipping channel. Great views from lookout then as we continued down the side of the hills.

Above the port area looking down on piles of coal.

Pulled in to the Port Lyttelton lookout carpark and into the cold wind.

Zoomed in on more bunkers into the hillside further along from the coal piles.

Map plaque.

Drove along a bit further to another view point.

Down the road into Lyttelton. Lyttelton was proclaimed a port in 1849 and the first 4 ships of settlers known as the ‘Canterbury Pilgrims’ arrived here from Dec 1850.

Took the wrong road and ended up down at the timber loading area and marina. There are two ferries across to get to the other areas on the other side of the harbour.

Turned around then we drove into the tunnel to head back to Christchurch. It is 1.97km long and opened in 1964.

Out the other end and into the exit for the Gondola. It is a 10 minute ride to the summit of Mt Cavendish - great views on a brighter day than today. We are going to do the one in Queenstown so will skip this one.

Pretty yellow-leaf tree as we travelled beside the Heathcote River back to the estuary area.

Back to Linwood Park free camp again for the night - we are allowed 48 hours. Lots of locals here doing baseball training but we got the same spot. More sunshine now and in the camper it is quite warm so we watched the players while we had drinks. Then Steve read and I downloaded my photos etc. It will take me a while to get my blog sorted after this trip.

Another traveller pulled in beside us.

Forecast for 4 degree min tonight or should I say early tomorrow morning. We are setting the alarm for 6.30am so we can get into town and get a park! Will have the heater on as we travel then we can have breakfast.

The sun doesn’t go down till around 8.30 so we played a game of cards before dinner. The locals have left. Our neighbour moved closer to the toilets. The free camps are for self-contained vehicles but I wonder who checks.