Riccarton House and Bush

This heritage estate in Christchurch pairs a grand Victorian and Edwardian homestead with a rare remnant of ancient lowland forest, protected within a predator fence. The bush, known as Putaringamotu, contains centuries-old kahikatea trees and is one of the last stands of its kind on the Canterbury Plains. The house, home to the pioneering Deans family, is open for tours, and the grounds host a popular weekend farmers' market. Together the buildings and forest preserve both natural and settler history.