A former coastal defence battery on Godley Head, above Sumner, in Christchurch. The battery was the largest defence work in the South Island for its time, and was built to fire long range shells that came down at a steep angle onto enemy ships. Its gun emplacements and magazines run along the cliff edge. Other remains include observation posts, radar stations, searchlight emplacements, pillboxes, slit trenches and a plotting room. The website says the battery was part of a camp with barrack blocks, officers' quarters and a water supply from Sumner.
Reviewers describe it as a great place to visit, and say it has a lot of history to learn and explore. The paths and tracks, and the views, are often mentioned. One visitor found the drive to the car park scenic. The road is narrow, and sheep are often on or near it. Another went early in the morning, found it quiet, and says it was a good place to reflect on the past. Some reviewers have been visiting for decades. Nearby, no other historic sites are listed.