A side trip into Riccarton Bush: Christchurch 360 Trail

Visiting Riccarton Bush on the 360 Trail

The Opawaho and Avonhead Gardens sections of the Christchurch 360 Trail join up at the entrance to Riccarton House and Bush. Riccarton House was the historic Deans family residence in Riccarton and adjacent to their old mansion house is Riccarton Bush. The 360 Trail diverts into Riccarton Bush as a small side track off the main route. 

Riccarton House was the Deans family home till the early 1900's

The Dean brothers were one of the original settler families and arrived here in the early 1840's when central Christchurch was still a swamp. They had extensive landholdings through Canterbury and were a central part of early colonial life. With the Herriot, Price, Manson and Gebbies they were the first Europeans to settle in what later became Canterbury. 

Their original cottage built in 1843 still stands next to Riccarton Bush and is the oldest European building in Canterbury. It is open to visit during the summer months and is typical of the houses built by the early settlers. 

Deans Cottage was built in 1843

The family prospered and eventually became one of the most well known and successful families to settle in early colonial Canterbury. They moved from Riccarton to North Canterbury in the early 1900's and are still a prominent family to this day. 

Quick look at Riccarton Bush:

Riccarton Bush is a small 7.8 Hectare remnant of the lowland Podocarp forest that once stretched from here right out to Oxford on the Canterbury Plains. At one time the Canterbury Plains were covered with areas of bush and forest but when settlers arrived here in the 1840's they cleared the land and re seeded it as European style pasture. 

Riccarton Bush is fully predator proof fenced

The Deans family farmed the area around what is now Riccarton Bush and also ran timber operations.  Riccarton Bush was set aside as a reserve next to their family home and was eventually gifted to the City in 1914 as a permanent reserve. Included was the historic Riccarton House and the European gardens surrounding it. 

...the Deans family came from Scotland...

Riccarton Bush is the typical Kahikatea forest which covered much of the Canterbury Plains at one time. Kahikatea are tall graceful trees growing to 45 meters in height and up to three meters around. They can live for up to 800 years and some of the specimens in Riccarton Bush are at least 600 years old. The top of the tallest trees are visible for several kilometers around the reserve. 

Near the entrance to Riccarton Bush

Natures Treasure Trail goes to the Glen/Te Uru

As well as Kahikatea Trees the reserve has a host of other lowland Podocarp species including Miro, Matai, Totara, Red Beech, Kowhai, Mahoe, Tarata, Cabbage Trees, Rimu and a whole raft of shrubs and under story plants. At one time the area was managed like a European garden forest with the understory cleared away but it is now being left to grow naturally. 

DOC kids program trail marker in Riccarton Bush

There are over 900 meters of tracks through the forest with several nice seating areas to stop at along the way. There are information panels scattered about and most of the big trees have information panels at their base describing what species they are. 

At the Glen/ Te Uru in Riccarton Bush

Riccarton Bush: information panels in Te Uru

Seating around the Glen/Te Uru

The bush has a thriving bird population with many native birds in residence including Bellbirds, Tui, Wood Pigeon, Doves, Fantails, Kingfishers and other European types. It is quite lovely to walk amongst the big trees and hear the calls of them all ringing out. 

There are a variety of species in Riccarton Bush

The main track is called the Kahikatea Track and it circles the borders of the reserve and loops back to the entrance to the reserve. Along the way you pass the main attraction which is a stand of majestic Kahikatea trees which tower over the rest of the bush. They are wonderful and give you a feel for what it once must have been like on the Canterbury Plains. 

Tall Kahikatea Trees abound in Riccarton Bush

Kahikatea Track is the loop around Riccarton Bush

Even though you are surrounded by houses you would never know it as the bush is now so thick that you cannot see any of the boundary fences. For all intents you feel like you are walking through a totally natural piece of bush...

Dense bush along the track in Riccarton Bush

The tracks are a combination of concrete pathways, gravel and boardwalks and make this an all weather attraction. I have walked through here in rain and sun and both are equally interesting. In very heavy rain the reserve will flood which is typical of a Kahikatea swamp. They are water loving trees and do well when their roots are inundated on a regular basis. 

There are areas of boardwalk in Riccarton Bush

Concrete pathway through Riccarton Bush

If you come visit Riccarton Bush on a Saturday you can also peruse the goods on sale at the Riccarton Farmers Market. From 9-12 noon there are a number of produce suppliers, food stalls and organic market gardeners here selling their wares. 

You can buy a variety of goods including honey, wine, vegetables, cheese, dried meats, butchery products, flowers and craft goods. There are about 20 food stalls with a couple of coffee vans and sometimes live entertainment. Well worth coming down for...

A farmers market runs on Saturday from 9-12 noon

Riccarton Bush is a great place to visit and was one of my favorite spots as a child. I visit on a regular basis and have brought many people here over the years. When you are making your way along the 360 Trail take the time to go into the Bush and see for yourself.

Christchurch 360 section details: Riccarton Bush

Access: Riccarton House and Bush are located on Kahu Road in the suburb of Riccarton. There are entrances off Kahu Road and Ngahere Street. 
Track: There are 900 meters of tracks in Riccarton Bush and it will take 15-20 minutes to walk around the reserve. 
Christchurch 360 Trail: Avonhead Gardens - Riccarton Bush - Opawaho
Miscellaneous: No dogs are allowed in Riccarton Bush. There are public toilets at Riccarton House and a Farmers Market from 9am to 12 noon every Saturday morning. 
You Tube: A visit to Riccarton Bush