Riccarton House and Bush (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Riccarton House and Bush?
What makes it 80% Couple-Friendly: Couples enjoy a guided homestead tour, shaded riverside strolls, and Saturday market brunch, all in a calm historic setting only 3.5 km from city hotels, giving a relaxed half-day date option.
Positives:
- Easy city access: Located just 3.5 km from central Christchurch with free on-site parking.
- Historic and natural mix: Combines a 19th-century homestead with native bush trails in one visit.
Challenges:
- Fixed tour times: House tours run only at 2 pm weekdays and 11 am/2 pm Sundays; book ahead.
- Limited café hours: The Quarters Café closes by mid-afternoon; bring extra snacks if needed.
What is Riccarton House and Bush?
- A 19th-century Deans family homestead built in 1856, surrounded by heritage gardens
- A 7-hectare remnant lowland kahikatea forest, recognised as Christchurch’s oldest protected native woodland
- A combined heritage precinct integrating colonial architecture and native ecology on Riccarton’s Ōtākaro River floodplain
What is so special about Riccarton House and Bush for couple trip?
- Step into a 19th-century homestead filled with original artifacts.
- Wander a living ‘museum’ of exotic trees with interpretive panels.
- Enjoy flat, wheelchair-friendly bush walks amid native forest.
- Taste local produce at a farmers’ market under historic trees.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Enough time for a guided house tour, bush walk, and a quick market visit.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Riccarton House and Bush
Guided Heritage Tour of Riccarton House:
Join a 1-hour expert-led tour through 20+ rooms of the Deans family homestead.
Tip: Book tickets in advance for the 2 pm weekday or 11 am/2 pm Sunday tours.
Self-guided Tree Trail:
Follow interpretive boards along a loop showcasing exotic and native trees planted in the 1850s.
Tip: Start at the information kiosk to pick up a free trail brochure.
Bush Walks on Te Ara Taonga & Kahikatea Tracks:
Stroll two flat, well-surfaced loops (460 m and 900 m) through native kahikatea forest.
Tip: Wear insect repellent and pause at bird-watching benches to spot kererū and fantails.
Saturday Christchurch Farmers' Market:
Browse ~60 stalls under century-old trees for fresh produce and street food.
Tip: Arrive at 9 am to avoid crowds and enjoy a brunch picnic on the lawn.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Riccarton House and Bush
- Combine activities: Book the house tour early, then use remaining time for the Tree Trail and market.
- Download maps: Get the Tree Trail map from the website to navigate without pausing at kiosks.
Reviews of Riccarton House and Bush
Melissa Coop
lovely market, great food and perfect for a sunny day:) can be overcrowded though
Lina Bui
Visited on a weekday morning. Very tranquil and peaceful. Immaculate gardens with a stream flowing through.
Masrizal Mahmud
We live nearby and it always fun to visit this place. There is a lot of history behind it and it is a great place to educate young kids about what happened here hundreds of years ago. The bush also offers interesting ambient to walk around and spend the day with family.
King Melquisedic
A lovely place to visit and is close to UC. You can have coffee, sit by the river, enjoy some quiet alone time or hangout with your friends and family. The house is old but not eerie. Rather it feels like going back in time especially with the old growth trees. However, the toilet closes at 4 PM. Which is sad if you feel like relieving yourself while you’re there.
Stephen Young
It was a great place to take the grandchildren in the holidays. They had a mobile library day with games and activities for the children. The bird sanctuary and bush walks are great for all ages and abilities.
When is the best time to visit Riccarton House and Bush (Christchurch, New Zealand)?
Spring brings blooms along the Tree Trail. In summer, seek shade under kahikatea trees. In autumn, watch leaves turn gold. Winter days are shorter—plan tours early.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Heritage tour (2 adults) | NZD 36 |
| Market brunch snacks | NZD 20 |
| Café coffee or light snacks | NZD 15 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 71 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Riccarton House and Bush
Address: 16 Kahu Road, Fendalton, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Riccarton House and Bush (Christchurch)?
About Riccarton House and Bush
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+64 3 341 101810 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇳🇿 New Zealand, couple trip
🇺🇸 United States, couple trip
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, couple trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities