Last updated July 2026
When you visit Riccarton House and Bush in Christchurch, you step into a historical narrative shaped by the pioneering Deans family, who first settled here in 1843. This heritage site blends Victorian architecture with the natural beauty of native bush, offering a glimpse into early European settlement on the Canterbury Plains. The adjacent Pūtaringamotu Bush preserves ancient kahikatea trees and provides walking tracks through one of the last remnants of podocarp forest in the city. As you wander through this tranquil retreat, you uncover stories of colonial life and conservation that make it a cherished destination.
Practical Information
| Location | 16 Kahu Road, Riccarton, Christchurch |
| Distance from city centre | 3.5 km |
| Access | Car, bus, or walking; free entry to grounds and bush during daylight hours |
| House tours | Guided tours available; book via official site |
| Facilities | Cafe, picnic areas, toilets, parking |
| Bush walks | Short loop tracks through native forest, including accessible paths |
About Riccarton House and Bush
Riccarton House and Bush marks the site of the first permanent European settlement on the Canterbury Plains. Scottish brothers John and William Deans arrived in 1843 and established their farm on land known to Māori as Pūtaringamotu. The name translates as “the place of an echo” or alternatively “the severed ear,” referring to the isolated remnant of forest.
Deans Cottage, built in 1843, remains one of New Zealand’s oldest surviving buildings on the Canterbury Plains. Riccarton House itself was constructed in stages, with the core dating from 1856 and major Victorian additions completed around 1881 by the England Brothers architectural firm. The house and grounds reflect the agricultural and social life of early colonial Canterbury.
The surrounding Pūtaringamotu Bush contains kahikatea trees up to 600 years old, along with tōtara, mataī and other native species. The Deans family preserved this ancient forest remnant despite pressures to clear land for farming, and it is now managed with ongoing ecological restoration to remove invasive species and protect biodiversity.
The Riccarton Bush Trust and Heritage New Zealand support conservation of both the buildings and the forest. The site serves as a venue for community events, weddings and educational programmes that connect visitors with the layered Māori and colonial history of the area.
Riccarton Bush Walk
Pūtaringamotu Riccarton Bush offers short walking tracks through the only remaining area of podocarp forest in Christchurch. The main loop starts near Riccarton House and Deans Cottage, passing through an information board and wooden gate into the forest. Tracks are generally flat and suitable for a range of abilities, with some accessible paths.
Walkers can enjoy the dense stands of kahikatea, birdsong and interpretive signage highlighting natural and cultural history. The bush is open to the public free of charge during daylight hours, providing a peaceful escape within the city. A canopy walkway and additional paths enhance the experience for those seeking a gentle forest immersion.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors appreciate the calm atmosphere and sense of stepping back in time while exploring the historic house and gardens. Many enjoy the easy walking tracks through the native bush and note how quickly the urban surroundings fade away once inside the forest.
Reviewers frequently praise the guided house tours for their engaging storytelling and recommend combining a visit with the onsite cafe or a picnic. Families and locals value the free access and proximity to the city centre for a quick nature escape.
Where to Learn More
Riccarton House official website: Details on guided tours, opening times, events and bookings.
Christchurch City Council – Riccarton Bush: Information on the bush, walking tracks and park management.
Heritage New Zealand – Riccarton House: Heritage listing details and historical context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the historical significance of Riccarton House and Bush?
It marks the first permanent European settlement on the Canterbury Plains by the Deans family in 1843 and preserves one of the oldest buildings and a rare native forest remnant.
How far is Riccarton House and Bush from Christchurch city centre?
It is 3.5 kilometres from the city centre and easily reached by car, bus or on foot.
Are guided tours available at Riccarton House?
Yes, guided tours of the house are offered and focus on the Deans family history and Victorian architecture; bookings are recommended.
What natural features are in Riccarton Bush?
The bush contains kahikatea trees up to 600 years old along with other native podocarp species and provides short walking tracks through the forest.
Is entry to the bush and grounds free?
Yes, the grounds and Pūtaringamotu Bush are open to the public free of charge during daylight hours.
What facilities are available on site?
Visitors can use the cafe, picnic areas, toilets and parking; the site also hosts markets and events.
Are the walking tracks suitable for families or all abilities?
The tracks are generally flat with some accessible paths, making them suitable for a range of visitors including families.
Who manages Riccarton House and Bush?
The Riccarton Bush Trust manages the site in partnership with Christchurch City Council and Heritage New Zealand.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.