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

Start: Riccarton House, Riccarton Bush

Distance: 460 metres

Time: 15 minutes return

Dogs: Prohibited in order to protect native wildlife

Access: Wheelchair and pram friendly

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).

Te Ara Kahikatea / Kahikatea Track

Start: Riccarton House, Riccarton Bush

Distance: 900 metres

Time: 30 minutes return

Toilets: Located near Riccarton House

Dogs: Prohibited in order to protect native wildlife

Access: Suitable for prams

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. 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.