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.

Worth 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.

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.

The 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.

We 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’.

Our 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.

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.

Stopped 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!

I 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.

Discovered 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.