Riccarton Bush walk

Riccarton Bush is the only area of podocarp forest remaining in Christchurch. The dense stands of kahikatea and the birdsong, which echoes through the bush, provide a backdrop to the restored early settlers' cottage.

Riccarton Bush, photographer S Mankelow.

Both of these walks are great for a hot day as it winds through the shade of Riccarton Bush.

Kids can earn a Kiwi Guardian(external link) medal here.

  Te Ara Taonga Māori / Nature's Treasure Trail Te Ara Kahikatea / Kahikatea Track
Start Riccarton House Riccarton House
Finish Riccarton House Riccarton House
Distance 460 metres 900 metres
Time 15 minutes return 30 minutes return
Access Wheelchair and pram friendly  Wheelchair and pram friendly 
Toilets Located near Riccarton House Located near Riccarton House
Dogs Prohibited in order to protect native wildlife  Prohibited in order to protect native wildlife
Description

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 from both native and introduced birds, such as the fantail (piwakawaka), silvereye (tauhou) and grey warbler (riroriro).

Riccarton Bush is the main centre of Christchurch's small resident population of wood pigeons (kereru).

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.

The turn-off for this track is well signposted. On wet days the boardwalk through the bush may become slippery.

Once you have completed the tranquil boardwalk track, follow the signs back to Riccarton House.

The many historic exotic trees in the grounds of Riccarton House – oaks, conifers and eucalypts – were planted there during the 1850s.

Get ready for this track using Plan My Walk(external link)(external link) by the NZ Mountain Safety Council. You can find track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list, so you are set for your adventure. 

More info

Riccarton House and Bush(external link) 

Riccarton House and Bush(external link)

Walking tracks


Shared use


Connecting tracks


Closed


Parking square 100x100

Parking


bus

Bus stop


Toilets

Toilets


water fountain marker

Water fountains


 
Accessible tracks


Punt Tahi pointer 85x125

Challenging feature


Pukeko Tahi pointer 85x125

Entry and exit point


Avon River Rua pointer 85x125

Point of interest