Governors Bay: Coast, Walks and Culture

The coast, walking tracks and distinctive buildings give Governors Bay several different sides. The Governors Bay Foreshore Track follows the coast to Teddington at the head of Whakaraupō-Lyttelton Harbour. There is also a rebuilt jetty and St Cuthbert’s Church, an important testament to Canterbury’s early settlement. Visitors choosing the area as a destination can choose between a gentle walk by the water, other tracks and cultural discoveries.

Walk by the water and link up with other tracks

The Governors Bay Foreshore Track starts beside the jetty at the end of Jetty Road. It follows the coast from Governors Bay to Teddington along a wide, gravelled path. This gentle walking track is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It offers a way to experience the coast at a relaxed pace and is also an appealing option for families with children of different ages. The route to Teddington provides a clear reference point for planning an outing, without implying a specific walking time.

Faulkners Track offers a different point of reference. From Governors Bay, access is possible, among other ways, via Lighthouse Lane and The Terrace; parking is available at these points. When the track reaches the ridge, it meets Trig V. It can also be linked with the Crater Rim Walkway and other nearby tracks. Those who like to include different tracks in their outing plans will find this an alternative to a walk along the coast. The access points and parking options mentioned can help you choose a starting point for this outing.

Discover the jetty and church

The Governors Bay Jetty is 300 metres long. The Governors Bay Jetty Restoration Trust successfully rebuilt it, and it reopened on 30 September 2023. Together with the Foreshore Track, it also marks the start of a walk that follows the coastline. You can focus either on the structure itself or on the track along the shore.

St Cuthbert’s Church (Anglican) tells the story of the area in a different way. It is an important testament to Canterbury’s early settlement. Its architectural significance lies in the quality of its design and its unusual construction. For travellers interested in architecture and settlement history as well as scenery, the church adds a cultural dimension to experiences by the water. It is the building’s design and construction in particular that make it distinctive.

Garden landscapes near Governors Bay

Nearby is Ōhinetahi. The estate includes a formal Arts and Crafts-style garden, a sculpture garden and a woodland walk. Regenerating native plants grow there alongside older, established trees. Each part of the garden has its own focus: formal design, sculptures or a path through the woodland landscape. Ōhinetahi is run by the Ōhinetahi Charitable Trust, which shares the house and garden with the public.

This brings together a range of interests to consider when planning a trip: a gentle coastal track, Faulkners Track and its connections to other routes, an architecturally significant church, and the gardens of Ōhinetahi. If you are looking for a holiday home in Governors Bay, you can first consider which of these aspects you would like to shape your stay. The blend of nature and culture may help make Governors Bay your destination of choice.

Discover more places

Other places in this selection of destinations include Maungati, Lincoln University, Waipara, Diamond Harbour, Oxford, Springfield, Rakaia and West Eyreton.

For the broader travel overview: Canterbury.