Preserve Christchurch’s heritage: Riccarton House & Bush
A unique heritage site with historic buildings, parkland, gardens, and an ancient podocarp forest with kahikatea trees up to 600 years old brings young and old together to enjoy Christchurch’s natural beauty and heritage. To ensure this site can be enjoyed for generations, action is needed.
This bush has long been a sanctuary in the heart of Christchurch, cherished for its history, native flora, and birdlife. However, decades of foot traffic at Pūtaringamotu Riccarton Bush have worn down the bush’s paths, with uneven concrete and rotting wood needing urgent attention. To safeguard this unique space, a new boardwalk is in the works, but community support is essential to make it a reality.
For $50, locals can “own” a piece of the future boardwalk—one of over 3500 boards needed to bring this vision to life. The Trust has avoided physically marking the boards to preserve the bush’s natural feel, opting instead for an online ‘e-board’ to display names and messages from supporters.
Local firm Morgan and Pollard has been awarded the contract for Stage 1 of the project, which is set to begin in March 2025. “This will include taking out the uneven and broken concrete paths, and the ageing boardwalk. Work will start in autumn next year, and the bush will be closed for up to 12 weeks,” says Trust manager Shona Willis.
This phase will remove the hazardous concrete and ageing wood, making way for an elevated path supported by special screw piles that minimise root disturbance. While the bush will close temporarily, the improvements will make the experience safer and more inclusive, allowing better access for prams, wheelchairs, and all visitors.
This boardwalk initiative is an invitation to invest in something lasting. A contribution today helps ensure Pūtaringamotu Riccarton Bush remains a natural retreat for generations, connecting Christchurch to its ecological heritage. Every donation, no matter the size, contributes to preserving, protecting, and enhancing this irreplaceable heritage site.
“Pūtaringamotu/Riccarton Bush is a place of living history, a gift to future generations and it must be protected.” The Riccarton House and Bush Trust acknowledges the current financial challenges faced by everyone and warmly welcomes any donation, even if it is as small as the price of a daily coffee.
Donate via the link below or visit the bush and donate using the handy payWave set up in the Riccarton house.
