Riccarton House & Bush
Riccarton House & Bush
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Riccarton House & Bush is a unique New Zealand heritage site consisting of two historic buildings, flanked by beautiful open parkland and ornate gardens, bordered by the River Avon and set against extensive native bush forest featuring Kahikatea trees up to 600 years old. This tranquil 12 hectare reserve is located just 3.5 Km from Christchurch city centre. The protected bush area has free entry and the house has a wonderful cafe. Heritage Tours run 6 days per week.
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See what travellers are saying
- Kathy W20 contributionsThe best kept secret in Christchurch!We had the most delightful tour guide, Mr John Hoskin, whose great knowledge , sharp wit and obvious love of history, really brought the whole tour to life!!! The facts were fascinating, the historical items fascinating and restored rooms very lovely! It was comfortable, cool and so very pleasant. It took about an hour and a half and there were a few stairs to climb so would suggest it is an activity for those of average mobility, not those impaired at all. After the tour we had a cold drink and dessert outside under an umbrella and it was the perfect way to end a lovely, relaxed afternoon! We just walked up and we’re able to book a tour about 45 min later. If you want to book tickets on line they suggest booking by 9 am that morning or you can’t book online after that- you have to take your chances and just show up.Visited December 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 December 2022
- Iain F2 contributionsWorth a visitWorth a visit. It is the story rather than the house itself which is so fascinating and our guide John H did a superb job in delivering an entertaining and educational tale of the Dean family's settlement in NZ in the 1840's. The tour of the house itself takes over an hour so allow extra time for walking through the remnant bush and forest section. Young children may find the full house tour a tad too much so bear that in mind.Visited January 2023Written 16 January 2023
- LuluharcatSwansea, United Kingdom20 contributionsWell worth a visit.The bush walk is lovely. Two different walks, one fifteen minutes and one for half an hour. Such a peaceful spot. We sat quietly and lots of birds came around in the trees. We had a really interesting tour of the house. Our tour guide, John Hoskin was charming and very knowledgeable. The tour is well worth doing and the family history is fascinating. Highly recommended. Our tour lasted for two hours so we felt it was good value.Visited January 2023Written 17 January 2023
- DuncanGreenock, United Kingdom38 contributionsHighly recommendedThe Tour is the best way to learn about the history and achievements of the Deans family. Alison was our guide and she was very informative and interesting. Tour takes c90 minutes but well worth it. Nice cafe/restaurant.Visited January 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 January 2023
- Julie C13 contributionsWell worth a visitWe had a very informative tour of the house by Janet who brought to life the fact based story of the Dean brothers who were the first settlers to farm in the Canterbury plains in the1840s. Janet’s passionate and interesting delivery using the furniture and personal items of the family illustrated the life, trials and tribulations of the Dean family and day to day living existence. Well worth a visit. Afterwards we did have a look at the first cottage the family built and a tour around the ‘bush’.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 March 2023
- BoardingPass7827552 contributionsProbus Club visitOur Probus club group of 20 were given a wonderful tour of Riccarton House. Their very knowledgeable hostess told us of the history of the Deans family and their house in great detail. This was enjoyed by all in the visit.Visited April 2023Written 7 May 2023
- TamsinW82 contributionsGreat history!I highly recommend this tour if you enjoy history and/or historic homes. I knew nothing about the house or the Dean’s family or even much about Christchurch’s history before the tour but our guide Alison provided us with lots of stories and information in an engaging manner. The tour is quite long at 90 minutes but it goes by pretty quick as you visit many of the rooms. I didn’t have time to enjoy the cafe or bush but they looked like a good way to spend more time if you had it.Visited May 2023Travelled soloWritten 10 May 2023
- moonlotus18Hamilton, New Zealand1,738 contributionsLovely grounds and cafeStopped here during our visit to Christchurch. Enjoyed the green space in the midst of the city. Loved the history behind the house and grounds. The cafe had good coffee and assorted cabinet food. Grand experience!Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 May 2023
- Tracey AnneWest Coast Region, New Zealand54 contributionsA must do day-out in ChChI recommend the tour of RIccarton House & Bush for a day out and to learn some local history of the Dean family. The house itself is something to see (being the first house to be built in Christchurch), yet the tour really brings the whole story alive. John the tour guide looks the part and keeps you intrigued interested and amused, Tracey Anne at reception is warm, welcoming, friendly & helpful. I will be recommending this to all my friends & family that are looking for things to do in Christchurch.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 June 2023
- Foxed11Oamaru, New Zealand17 contributionsFriendly relaxed house tourDiscovered an excellent food market here on a Saturday morning but no tour available so came back on Sunday for a tour of the house. John was charming and amusing and told us lots of interesting details about the early owners of the house and land. If you like house museums or want to know about Christchurch’s early history this is a good choice.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 July 2023
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4.5
496 reviews
Excellent
332
Very good
138
Average
20
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Danny K
Swadlincote, UK50 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
The nearby preserved Bush is a relic of the original vegetation, well worth a (free!) visit. Almost like being in a jungle!
The house itself is only available to visit on a ($16 NZ, seniors) tour, but well worth it. Our guide was 85 years old, knew the house very well, and wore a Victorian-era frock coat. He was full of humorous stories, and got up and down stairs better than we did!
There are lots of things to see, including a life-size statue made entirely from one block of wood
There is also a good cafe there, serving lots of cakes.
You can spend a relaxing and instructive afternoon at Riccarton House. It’s easily accessible by the 3 or the 5 bus from the bus interchange.
The house itself is only available to visit on a ($16 NZ, seniors) tour, but well worth it. Our guide was 85 years old, knew the house very well, and wore a Victorian-era frock coat. He was full of humorous stories, and got up and down stairs better than we did!
There are lots of things to see, including a life-size statue made entirely from one block of wood
There is also a good cafe there, serving lots of cakes.
You can spend a relaxing and instructive afternoon at Riccarton House. It’s easily accessible by the 3 or the 5 bus from the bus interchange.
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Farinazleen Ghazali
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia39 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We first visited during a Farmer's Market but we came back during the week to tour the grounds. There is a small, enclosed forest reserve thatbyou can have a quiet walk in and listen to the birds.
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rochelle G
23 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
An informative tour of a Christchurch heritage treasure filled with interesting insights into how people lived 150+ years ago. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and passionate about her subject which added a lot to our experience. We particularly loved going up in to the attic and walking through the bush afterwards. Highly recommended.
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ljcburg
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
It was so badoncoulously coool. It was all Victorian and there were typewriters. I loved all the wood, the storytelling was amazing. The guides were hella friendly. All together it was an amazingly awesome experience. Take this from a 12 year old it is very family friendly.
Written 10 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Navigator47005869744
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Friends
I love historic homes. The guide was highly knowledgeable and the history and story behind the family who built this home was fascinating. What a house! I highly recommend it - you can enjoy a glass of wine in the gardens afterwards - and a short walk in the protected bush!
Written 8 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Navigator46854688945
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
An amazing tour with a very informative guide. We learnt such a lot about our early farming family setting up their life in NZ in extremely difficult times.
Jane Dean was a remarkable woman
Jane Dean was a remarkable woman
Written 24 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GlennaAnd
Christchurch, New Zealand26 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
What a great experience. The guide was excellent and gave us a run down of the history of the Deans family and the house and gardens. What a brave and clever woman Jane Deans was. Each room was authentically furnished from the lovely bedrooms to the kitchen with the old tins, crockery and utensils You really felt you were entering the world of the Deans in the 1800's.
I highly recommend taking the time to experience a unique part of Christchurch history and finish in the onsite cafe for delicious coffee and food. A great day out.
I highly recommend taking the time to experience a unique part of Christchurch history and finish in the onsite cafe for delicious coffee and food. A great day out.
Written 15 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wander19892390742
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Friends
Our Friendship Club had a tour of Riccarton House and Bush last Thursday. The Deans family is well known throughout Canterbury as an early settler. and the family has since spread far and wide. I very much enjoyed seeing the home that had been built for the family on such a central Christchurch site with the special family photos, furniture etc. The Tour Guide was very knowledgeable and the information was well delivered. It was well worth taking the tour.
Written 14 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shireen
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Having lived in Christchurch most of my life, I have never been on a tour of Riccarton House before. It was simply fabulous. The woodwork is spectacular. The rooms have been sympathetically restored and there is so much to see and learn about, from there original four rooms to the later additions and work that has been done. You can also have a coffee and grab a meal or morning tea there. Events are held there too.
I highly recommend a guided tour though as Diane had a wealth of knowledge to share. The tour went a bit longer than an hour because there were six of us and she asked if it was ok to go over an hour. So much to see and take in.
I highly recommend a guided tour though as Diane had a wealth of knowledge to share. The tour went a bit longer than an hour because there were six of us and she asked if it was ok to go over an hour. So much to see and take in.
Written 12 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John M
Christchurch, New Zealand2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
I have enjoyed visiting Riccarton House several times over the years, but never was it brought to life for me as it was during the 90-minute guided tour. Guide, John Hoskin, brings life to the home and cast of characters in its history, and does so with a fabulous aplomb.
To see and learn the lives of Christchurch's first European settlers, I highly recommend this tour to visitors to Christchurch, and to residents of Christchurch because it is a rare and valuable time capsule.
To see and learn the lives of Christchurch's first European settlers, I highly recommend this tour to visitors to Christchurch, and to residents of Christchurch because it is a rare and valuable time capsule.
Written 29 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ThroughtheLGlass
Dunedin, New Zealand34 contributions
Hi, can you get coffee every day or just wed -sun?
ShirishParanjape
Christchurch, New Zealand864 contributions
Sunday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm.
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Claim your listingRICCARTON HOUSE & BUSH: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Riccarton House & Bush
- Riccarton House & Bush is open:
- Sun - Fri 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Riccarton House & Bush:
- (0.08 km) Anselm House
- (0.67 km) Roma on Riccarton Motel
- (0.52 km) Ashleigh Court Motel
- (0.65 km) Quality Suites Amore
- (0.46 km) Kauri Motel On Riccarton
- Restaurants near Riccarton House & Bush:
- (0.19 km) The Quarters at Riccarton House
- (0.43 km) Rogues of Rotherham
- (0.44 km) Buddha Stix Riccarton
- (0.34 km) Velvet Burger
- (0.40 km) Sal's Authentic New York Pizza - Riccarton