Riccarton House and Bush
Ancient kahikatea swamp forest remnant ringed by a predator-proof fence, beside a historic homestead.
Location
About this audio guide
This guide to Pūtaringamotu Riccarton Bush in Christchurch follows the botanist Leonard Cockayne and asks why a scientist would fight for a few hectares of old kahikatea in the suburbs. It reaches back to the Ngāi Tūāhuriri people who came here for food, and to the Scottish Deans brothers who farmed beside the forest from the eighteen forties. Best heard on the track beneath the tallest trunks.
This audio guide was created using AI.
Similar places
Christchurch Farmers' Market
Saturday market of local growers and artisans beside a historic homestead and remnant native forest.
Hinewai Reserve
Private nature reserve where native forest regrows through gorse, with tracks and dozens of waterfalls.
Ōruapaeroa Travis Wetland Nature Heritage Park
Restored freshwater wetland on a former dairy farm, laced with boardwalks and bird hides.
Governors Bay
Sheltered harbourside village beneath the Port Hills, with a historic stone homestead and garden.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Riverside botanic garden of heritage trees, rose beds, native plants and formal floral lawns.
Avon River / Ōtākaro
River winding through the central city, its Māori name meaning place of play.