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Riccarton House & Bush

Riccarton House & Bush, Christchurch: Hours, Address, Riccarton House & Bush Reviews: 4.5/5

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Riccarton House & Bush

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See all things to do
Riccarton House & Bush
4.5
446
#5 of 229 things to do in Christchurch
Historic Sites • Parks
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
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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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Tours and Tickets
Popular mentions
4.5
446 reviews
Excellent
292
Very good
129
Average
19
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Annette M
Auckland Central, New Zealand6 contributions
Best Tour & Best Value
Mar 2021
Thank you John Hoskin for the uplifting, entertaining, edifying and knowledgeable tour of Riccarton House. It's the best tour we've ever done!
Mike & Annette (Auckland)
Written 27 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David John Perry
2 contributions
hanging in the house
Apr 2021
We were treated to a fascinating tour of Riccarton House conducted by a very knowledgeable gentleman who told lots of interesting stories about the house's past.
Highly recommend.
Written 18 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
wanderinghedgehogs
52 contributions
Nice but..
Mar 2021 • Couples
Nice on the outside and has a great cottage you can see at the back of house with a lot of information about the owners. There is a nice bush walk as well. However, we found that the tour guide for the house was not particularly knowledgeable and um'd and ah'd throughout the entire tour. She literally didn't even know what a chandelier was called. Her unconfidence in what she was saying spoilt the tour for us. We ended up going to a Cafe afterwards and googling it, which proved to be more useful. I really would have liked to know in depth about Jane. Her story sounded incredible and I think in this day and age, they could really market such an independent woman running a house and farm all by herself more. I mean, honestly, yeah the brothers were great, but Jane sounded far more fascinating.
Written 24 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Riccarton H
Hi there, I am sorry that your experience wasn't up to what I would have hoped. If you get the time please give me a call on 0275440462 as I would like to know a bit more so I can look at ways we can improve our tours. Regards Shona
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hollyhocks2017
Tauranga, New Zealand6 contributions
Treat of a Tour!
Mar 2021
We are so happy to have ‘found’ Riccarton House! Our tour guide was John, and what a treat he gave us! He walked us through the compelling history of the Deans family from Scotland and the story of how they made their mark on Christchurch, Canterbury and New Zealand! John’s talk was full of interesting historical details transporting us back to Riccarton House’s heyday. The house itself is a real gem filled with objects and furniture reflecting the family’s history. There are so many rooms to see from the kitchen quarters, to drawing rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, nursery and children’s playroom in the attic. The design and detail of the house was very much ahead of its time and John proudly pointed out all the ‘mod cons’ (for the Nineteenth Century!) which really made for interesting listening. Thank you!
Written 13 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Riccarton H
Many thanks for your lovely comments. We have some rather amazing guides!
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Muso Mum
2 contributions
Exploring our backyard
Jan 2021
Fabulous tour by John. Beautiful house with an interesting history. Thanks to the Deans family for making this piece of Christchurch history available and allowing us to go back and glimpse the past
Written 1 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Riccarton H
Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate that you took the time.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Luci
Christchurch, New Zealand1 contribution
Great experience
Jan 2021
We had a fascinating tour of Riccarton House mid January with Cathy who had a wealth of knowledge about the history of the area. We had already visited the cottage and bush when at the market but found the experience well worth while
Written 30 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Riccarton H
Thank you for your feedback. You get to know so much more on a tour.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michele
21 contributions
One of the first Christchurch stately homes.
Nov 2020
Excellent venue for tourist and your visitors. Great cafe and wonderful Saturday morning fresh farmers' market.
Written 19 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Riccarton H
It is a very special place and we have been very lucky with lots of New Zealanders travelling the country.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rosita L
7 contributions
Wonderful Experience
Nov 2020
This is something I have wanted to do for years and I finally got to do it! I was not disappointed.
John was a wonderful guide with so much knowledge of the history of the Dean's family and the house. I'm so pleased to have had the guided tour.
Written 25 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Riccarton H
We have wonderul guides and John is a real character. He loves taking tours.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sue H
Sydney, Aust3,831 contributions
Historic house of Christchurch
Mar 2020
We didn't tour the house, but were able to just look inside the lower level. I didn't like the mounted animal heads over the walls, but it is reminiscent of the era I guess. The small bush walk was pleasant and within the grounds is the original cottage of Canterbury pioneer, John Deans.
Written 23 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Riccarton H
If you get the chance come for a tour. It is a real experience hearing the story.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Phyllis B
christchurch2 contributions
tour of riccarton house
Nov 2020
was an excellent tour and john our guide was an absolute gem and a fountain of knowledge . well worth doing
Written 22 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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