Redwood, Christchurch: Suburb Guide to Northern Living and Local Life

Last updated October 2026

Redwood is a northern residential suburb of Christchurch, centred on Main North Road and bordered to the north by the Styx River. Once farmland known as Styx, it took its present name from a protected sequoia redwood tree on Prestons Road after a local vote.

The suburb mixes established housing, a small commercial strip, schools and parks, with easy road and bus links toward the city centre and further north. Visitors and residents find everyday amenities close at hand, plus access to riverside walks and reserves. It sits within Christchurch City and forms part of the city’s northern suburbs.

Official Suburb Facts

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About Redwood

Redwood lies on the northern side of Christchurch, with Main North Road forming its central spine. The Styx River (also known as Puharakekenui) marks the northern edge and supports a network of esplanade reserves and walking and cycling paths.

Housing ranges from mid-twentieth-century streets to later subdivisions such as Redwood Springs. Light industrial pockets and remaining rural or market-garden land sit alongside residential areas.

Before European settlement the wider Styx catchment was used by Māori for mahinga kai (food gathering). Resources included eels, waterfowl, fern root and plant materials such as harakeke and raupō. There appear to have been no permanent kāinga in the immediate area.

Early European settlers drained swamps and cleared tōtara and kahikatea forest for farmland. The locality was long known as Styx.

In the late 1950s rural sections began to be subdivided. A row of shops near Prestons Road opened from 1957. Residents later voted to rename the suburb; options included Caselwood, Clearview, Northpark, Redpark and Redwood.

The winning name came from a large sequoia redwood planted in the late nineteenth century by early settler Thomas Preston (after whom Prestons Road is named). The tree still stands and is protected. The area passed from Waimairi County into Christchurch City under the 1989 local government reforms.

Today Redwood functions as a practical northern suburb with its own primary schools, a Catholic boys’ college, a community library and local parks. The Main North Road corridor carries through-traffic while also supporting the small commercial centre. Riverside restoration and reserves add outdoor space close to homes.

Getting Around

Main North Road is a four-lane arterial that links Redwood south toward Papanui and the central city and north toward Belfast and Kaiapoi. The Northern Corridor interchange near Belfast improves longer northbound journeys.

Metro route 125 runs between Redwood and Westlake via Northlands, Bishopdale and other western suburbs. Additional services operate along the Main North Road corridor. Cycle connections include links toward the Papanui Parallel and the Styx River path network.

History and Heritage

The former Styx railway station served passengers from 1872 until 1977 (with final closure later) and stood near what is now the Redwood Springs area by the Styx overbridge.

Redwood Library at 339 Main North Road has long been a community hub; the building complex dates from the late 1960s and has undergone later repairs and upgrades. Local parks such as Redwood Park (developed around the late 1960s) and others provide neighbourhood green space. The protected redwood on Prestons Road remains the suburb’s namesake landmark.

Getting Outdoors

The Styx River corridor offers flat walking and cycling routes through riparian vegetation, connecting toward Belfast, Casebrook and further wetland areas. Styx Esplanade Reserve and related sites support ecological restoration.

Redwood Park and other local reserves supply playgrounds and open space for everyday recreation. These outdoor options sit within easy reach of residential streets without requiring a long trip out of the suburb.

Near Redwood

Just outside Redwood, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.

Places

Craighead Reserve PlaygroundNeighbourhood Playgrounds · 1.5 kmPānako WalkwayForest and Nature Reserve Tracks · 1.6 kmPapanui LibraryLibraries · 2.2 kmWheels to Wings CyclewayMajor Cycle Routes · 2.4 kmBishopdale Park PlaygroundNeighbourhood Playgrounds · 3.3 kmEdgar Macintosh Park Paddling PoolPaddling Pools · 3.3 km

Businesses

All 5Services 3Food & Drink 1Places to Stay 1

Kings Swim SchoolSwimming Schools · 9.4 kmFeaturedUrban Turf SolutionsArtificial Grass Supplier · 1.1 kmGroovy Groomers LtdPet Services · 2.4 kmTomi Japanese RestaurantRestaurant · 4.2 kmCountry Glen LodgeBed and Breakfasts · 4.8 km

Where to Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Redwood in Christchurch?
Redwood is a northern suburb of Christchurch, roughly six kilometres from the city centre, with Main North Road running through it and the Styx River along its northern edge.

How did Redwood get its name?
It was formerly called Styx. Residents voted in the 1960s to rename it after a large sequoia redwood tree planted by early settler Thomas Preston on Prestons Road; the tree still stands and is protected.

What ward is Redwood in?
Redwood is in the Papanui Ward of Christchurch City Council and is represented by the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board.

What schools are in Redwood?
Redwood School and Te Kura o Matarangi – Northcote School serve primary years. St Bede’s College, an integrated Catholic boys’ secondary school with boarding, is also located in the suburb. Many students attend nearby secondary schools such as Papanui High School.

Is there public transport to Redwood?
Yes. Metro bus route 125 (Redwood/Westlake) serves the suburb, and other services run along Main North Road toward the central city, Northlands, Belfast and further destinations.

What shopping is available in Redwood?
A small business village and local shops sit on Main North Road. Larger supermarket and mall options are a short distance away at Northlands.

Are there parks and walks near Redwood?
Yes. Redwood Park and other local reserves provide neighbourhood green space. The Styx River esplanade and path network offer walking and cycling through riverside vegetation.

Was there Māori settlement in the Redwood area?
The wider Styx catchment was used for seasonal mahinga kai (food gathering). Permanent settlements are not recorded in the immediate area; resources included eels, birds and plant materials.

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Explore Christchurch only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Redwood is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.