Riccarton House and Bush — Attraction in Christchurch

A beautiful place right inside Christchurch to relax and spend time in a green environment.

The site offers an "English" style park setting, wonderful for picnics or just simply reading a book on a park bench or lying down on the lawn, or for taking your kids to run around in a large but secure park environment.

The site also includes several items of local historical significance, as well as the beautiful Riccarton House with its restaurant open every day except Saturdays, from 9am to 4pm. On Saturdays, the site hosts the Christchurch Farmer's Market 9am to 1pm, offering a wide range of locally produced organic or artisinal products straight from the source.

The main attraction, however, is Riccarton Bush itself - a reserve (and urban oasis) of native plants and birds. There are a couple of options for relatively short but rewarding walks amongst this small native New Zealand ecosystem.

There is plenty of parking close to the site, and some on it.

No visitor to Christchurch, or for that matter any local, should miss a visit to...

We decided to try this cafe for Sunday brunch for the first time. Beautiful setting, gorgeous ChCh autumn day, about 22.30, moderately busy but not full. Asked waiting staff when we arrived whether it was table or counter service and we're told that both worked. We were given a menu and took a seat and waited. The menu looked good and we knew exactly what we wanted. Several waiting staff walked past but didn't acknowledge us. 5 minutes later I went to the counter and asked again and was told that someone would come to see us at the table. Waited 15 more minutes while 3 waiting staff repeatedly went past, carrying food, coffees and clearing dishes. No eye contact, no acknowledgment, no offer of water, no "has anyone taken your order?" So we got up and left and went to Good Habit where we always get good food and great, friendly service. If I could give less than 1 star I would. I won't be back. Nice looking place ruined by poorly trained...

Had a fabulous time here on Sunday with the most dapper, kind and fascinating gentleman, John Hoskins, who made this visit so incredibly memorable! John took our booked tour of the house and I was riveted from start to finish with the information, stories and knowledge of the Dean's family, the house and the general history of the area. He is so talented in bringing it all to life, with great detail, some humour and deep respect. Myself and my family felt very privileged to listen to him and see the incredible pieces that have been lovingly preserved and cared for. It was a real step back in time. We loved the bush walks and the careful preservation of this native area. A nice lunch was also had at the Cafe. My only dissapointment was that Dean's cottage is not open at weekends, but we will be sure to come back in the school holidays! A good excuse! A fab visit, thanks...