Governors Bay is 20 minutes from the Christchurch Square (pop.320,000). If you drive south down Colombo Street to the Port Hills, up past the Sign of the Takahe, then the sign of the Kiwi and the down Dyers Pass Road you arrive to a whole new world. Alternatively, you can approach through Lyttelton tunnel and wind your way around the picturesque harbour (30 minutes from the Square). If you are travelling on to Akaroa, both routes offer much more interest than the Main South Road.

Governors Bay Wharf
A mere 200 metre stroll from the Hotel lies the wharf, with great views out to the heads of Lyttelton Harbour and to Quail Island.

If you want to go the distance a great undulating walk along the shore line to Maori Gardens takes 20+ minutes back to the hotel. In the other direction there is a longer walk to Allandale. A largely unused road constructed by prisoners from the local gaol hugs the shoreline. You can expect to see plenty of bird life feeding off the mudflats at low tide. Exotic oak, walnut, gum, pine and pear trees give way to native ngaio, broadleaf, poroporo and mahoe. Great coffee, fresh juices and breakfast is on offer at the Governors Bay Hotel from 9.00am.

Gardens of Governors Bay
Governors Bay enjoys a microclimate dissimilar to Christchurch where many exotic and native plants and trees fare much better than the cooler and smoggier conditions found over the hill.