Discover two heritage buildings set among native bush and gardens with the Avon River flowing past the grounds. The bonus is the farmers weekend market in the beautiful setting.
Riccarton Bush & Homestead, Christchurch top sights
- The Riccarton bush forest is a natural jewel in urban Christchurch with mature kahikatea trees up to 600 years old. The forest is of major significance as the sole Canterbury remnant of an ancient podocarp forest that once covered. large areas of the province
- The forest and bush walks are open to the public at your pace. There are no entry fees to the grounds and walks.
- Heritage Victorian era homestead and Deans Cottage complete with furnishings, memorabilia and objects from the mid-19th century. Open to the public on a guided tour
- Native forest is alive with the sound of New Zealand birds. The Kereru/Wood Pigeon, Korimako/Bellbird, Piwakawaka/Fantail, and Riroriro/Grey Warbler are easily seen.
- Look for native insects and geckos flourishing behind Riccarton Bush’s predator-proof fence
- Over 2 km of winding flat easy tracks in the 7 hectare reserve and gardens, Riccarton House & gardens deserves to be on the #nzgardensmustvisit list.
Riccarton Bush & House is located
16 Kahu Road, Fendalton, Christchurch 8041
Riccarton Bush Pūtaringamotu is a 7.8-hectare remnant Kahikatea Forest located 3km from the city centre of Christchurch. Riccarton Bush is on the Christchurch public bus route. Gates are open during daylight hours and public access during these times is free.
Are you interested in gardens and outdoors Christchurch activities, check out:
Unmissable is a punt on the Avon River. Pass the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens on an irresistibly romantic slow river journey with your Edwardian clad punter.
Riccarton Bush walks, Christchurch town walking trails
Warm summer days explore native forest in the heart of Christchurch with family and friends. Kids will enjoy the information plaques and descriptions of what to look for in the forest as bird song twitters overhead. These walks are suitable for wheelchairs. No dogs allowed. These walks are part of Kiwi Guardian site.
Nature’s Treasure Trail Riccarton Bush Walk, Christchurch
Starting at Riccarton House, walk around towards Deans Cottage then follow the stone path past the information board and through the wooden gate to begin your walk. This trail is well surfaced and not overly slippery, even in wet weather. There are plenty of seats located along the track, and birdsong echoes through the bush.
- Length 450 metres
- Duration 20 minutes return
- Grade Flat easy boardwalk (can be slippery when wet)
Kahikatea track, Riccarton Bush walk, Christchurch
The many historic exotic trees in the grounds of Riccarton House – oaks, conifers and eucalypts are part of this walk with both the native forest and gardens.
- Length 900 metres
- Duration 30 minutes return
- Grade Flat, easy boardwalk (can be slippery when wet)
Putaringamotu, Riccarton House was gifted to the town (Christchurch) in 1914 by the original settlers, Deans family. The grounds, homestead and Deans Cottage are managed by the Riccarton Bush Trust.
Guided Heritage Tours of Riccarton Homestead
- Duration 70 – 90 minutes
- Guided Guided tours only are available
Experience a tour of the house and hear the history of the European settler family, the Deans. From the Scottish border lowlands the Deans brothers immigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand. There are 20 rooms in the homestead from an elaborate Victorian dining room, nursery, coal cellar, Edwardian bedrooms and Jane Deans 1856 bedroom. All are fully restored and decorated and furnished in period style.
Riccarton Bush grounds and walks are free to the public and donations will help to keep up the maintenance of Riccarton Bush grounds. Donations are appreciated.
Nearby Riccarton House is Mona Vale Gardens.
Guided Bush Walks of Riccarton Bush, Christchurch
Guided eco tours through the ancient native forest of Riccarton Bush are available for groups of 10 or more visitors. Bookings are essential. Please contact us for further details and your requirements.
- Telephone – 03 341 1018 (Riccarton House during office hours)
- info@riccartonhouse.co.nz
Visit Riccarton Bush on Saturday and enjoy the farmer’s market, for details scroll down Christchurch market hopping and shopping – Best Bits.
Riccarton Bush is home to THE QUARTERS CAFE, hosting dinner parties, weddings, celebrations and events for local and overseas visitors alike. Check out more fascinating places in Christchurch eat and drink in style, 5 heritage places, great views – Best Bits.
Deans Cottage, Riccarton Bush & Homestead, Christchurch
Nestled within Riccarton Gardens and Bush is the original Deans Cottage which housed the Deans family while the homestead was being built. The cottage is one of the earliest examples of mid-Victorian settler buildings in the South Island. Viewing the house interior is by guided tour only.
Deans Cottage
Visit the colonial cottage built for pioneering Scottish brothers, William and John Deans, in 1843 by Samuel Manson: the oldest building on the Canterbury Plains. Deans family cottage is built from timber cut in Riccarton Bush and pit sawn into boards, the cottage was the second home shared by the Deans as they strove to establish their farming vision at Riccarton. The first cottage, also built by Samuel Manson at the beginning of 1843, was demolished in 1890. The brothers lived in the cottage until their early and tragic deaths. William drowned in the shipwreck of the barque “Maria” when she struck a rock near Cape Terawhiti off the Wellington Heads in July 1851. John, who travelled to Scotland in 1852 to marry Jane McIlraith, returned to Riccarton in February 1853 and died in the cottage from tuberculosis in June 1854.
Jane Deans and her son John continued to live in the cottage until the building of the first stage of Riccarton House was completed and they were able to move to their new home in March 1856.
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