Introduction
In the heart of Christchurch is a wild forest, home to over 400 mighty kahikatea trees with their impressive buttress roots. There’s also the oldest remaining building in Canterbury, a large grassy spot for picnics and if you’ve got sharp eyes you might spot geckos. Too much!- Use the information plaques to find out about the native species – which will be your favourite?
- Look up at 600-year-old kahikatea trees.
- Sit quietly on the listening bench and tune your ears into the sounds of the bush.
- Find a sunny spot and see if you can you catch a Canterbury gecko soaking up the warmth.
- Enjoy the nearby cafe in Riccarton House or check out the Saturday morning farmers market.
Image gallery
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Interesting roots in Riccarton Bush Image: bkymonster | Creative Commons
![Buttress roots in Riccarton Bush.]( "Buttress roots in Riccarton Bush.")
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Plaque about kahikatea in Riccarton Bush. Image: Steel Wool | Creative Commons
![Plaque about kahikatea in Riccarton Bush.]( "Plaque about kahikatea in Riccarton Bush.")
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Children on the listening bench in Riccarton Bush Image: Bryce Edwards | Creative Commons
![Children on a seat in Riccarton Bush.]( "Children on a seat in Riccarton Bush.")
Get ready
Download the adventure map (PDF, 1,083K) and check out what you can do.
Go and explore
Look out for the Guardian Post when you get there. On it you'll find a special code word - write it down.
Getting there: Riccarton Bush is 3.5 km from Christchurch - 16 Kahu Road, Fendalton
Claim your reward
Tell us the Riccarton Bush code word to receive a Kiwi Guardians certificate and medal for this adventure.
Put the medal on your back pack or pencil case to show everyone the adventure you've had.
Each Kiwi Guardians place has a different medal - see how many you can collect.
About Riccarton Bush
- The 7.8 hectare native bush remnant was gifted to the people in Canterbury in 1914
- Explore the Riccarton Bush walk
Riccarton Bush is owned and managed by the Riccarton Bush Trust for the people of Christchurch.