Riccarton Bush walk : Christchurch City Council

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.
More info	Riccarton House and Bush(external link)	Riccarton House and Bush(external link)