Escape Artists Christchurch
Riccarton Bush — main view

Walk · Riccarton

Riccarton Bush

An easy forest loop through ancient bush in the heart of the city

At a glance

Walk
Riccarton
Car park
Nearby food & drink
On street parking

Why go?

An easy forest loop through ancient bush in the heart of the city

Riccarton Bush offers a gentle, family-friendly walk beneath a canopy of towering kahikatea trees. With interactive signs, peaceful paths, and plenty of space to picnic or play in the surrounding gardens, it’s a calm and accessible outing ideal for young walkers and prams. Add a visit to the café or Deans Cottage for a relaxed and well-rounded nature experience close to the city.

Riccarton Bush — photo 1

Good to know

Before you go.

Dogs only in designated areas

Dogs and bikes are not permitted inside the bush area, but dogs on lead are welcome in the surrounding gardens .

On-street parking

There are bike stands nearby, and both a car park and 120-minute street parking are available.

Daylight access

The bush is open to the public during daylight hours.

Te Ara Kahikatea / Kahikatea Track

A 1 km loop through native bush and remnant kahikatea forest; allow about 30 minutes.

Te Ara Taonga Māori / Nature's Treasure Trail

A shorter 500 m accessible bush walk; allow about 10–15 minutes return.

The details

What you'll find.

Age & suitability

Who it works well for.

  • Pram friendly

Walk details

What the route offers.

Duration
Under 30 min
Terrain
MixedThe Kahikatea Track follows a mix of gravel paths and boardwalks, leading to a grove of towering kahikatea trees.
Difficulty
Easy

Walk guide

Follow the route.

Use these route notes alongside signs and conditions on the day.

  1. Te Ara Kahikatea / Kahikatea Track

    A roughly 1 km loop on gravel paths and boardwalks leading through native bush to a grove of towering kahikatea. Allow about 30 minutes.

  2. Te Ara Taonga Māori / Nature's Treasure Trail

    A shorter accessible concrete loop of about 500 m, with interactive flip signs sharing facts along the way. Allow about 10–15 minutes return.

  3. Combine the loops

    The two easy tracks can be walked separately or linked for a visit of less than 30 minutes. Both begin within the fenced bush area and return toward the entrance.

  4. Around the entrance

    Toilets are behind the café. The riverbank, garden seating, picnic lawns, heritage trees and heritage-tree trail provide further places to explore outside the protected bush.

Facilities

Facilities at a glance.

  • Car park

  • Nearby food & drink

  • On street parking

  • Picnic areas

  • Rubbish bins

  • Seating

  • Toilets

Take a look around

See the place.

20 photos

1 of 20

Getting there

Find the start.

Walk start
Riccarton Bush
Fendalton
Where to start

The predator-fenced bush entrance is behind the café in the Riccarton House gardens. Enter through the gated area; the gate is locked outside public access periods to protect the habitat.

Finding the start

Both bush walks start at Riccarton House, off Kahu Road.

Get directions

More nearby adventures

Keep exploring.

Activity · 0.8 kmMona Vale

Tranquil gardens, bridges, and birdsong in the heart of the city

Playground · 1.0 kmHarrington Park

Climb, swing, spin and slide your way through

Playground · 1.7 kmBotanic Gardens Playground

Picnics, play, and paddling in the gardens

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