Guided Heritage Tours
Experience a tour of the house and hear the history of the pioneering Deans family – their stories of dreams, love and promises… Our tour entwines the Deans family story, from its origins in lowland Scotland, to the triumphs and tragedy in New Zealand, with a guided experience of over 20 rooms throughout Riccarton House. Rooms as diverse as the Victorian dining room, nursery, coal cellar, Edwardian bedrooms and Jane Deans 1856 bedroom are visited. All are fully restored and decorated and furnished in period style. Many original family items, ranging from china, furniture, brogue shoes and a violin are on display. Our tour offers something for everyone and we confidently guarantee that you will enjoy the experience. Interested? Contact us for further information. (Online bookings only)
Education Programmes for Schools – Led by Canterbury Museum
Riccarton Bush
This programme enables students to examine our unique native flora and fauna while exploring a truly remarkable part of our city. Students will also look at the forest ecosystem, the human impact on this environment and the construction of the predator fence.
Availability: Term one and Term Four
Curriculum Links: Planet Earth and Beyond, Living World, Participating and Contributing, Investigating in Science, Communicating in Science
Suitable for Year: 1 – 10
Length: 1.5 hours
Associated Cost: $2.00 per person to Riccarton Bush Trust
Riccarton House
Investigate the social history of early European settlement in Christchurch through the eyes of the pioneering Deans family.
Students will explore Deans’ Cottage and Riccarton House and discover the joys and tragedy faced by Jane, John and William Deans as they began a new life in what was to become Christchurch.
Availability: All year
Curriculum Links: Social Sciences
Suitable for Year: 1 – 10
Length: 1.5 hours
Associated Cost: $2.00 per person to Riccarton Bush Trust
A teachers’ resource kit is available.
For enquiries and bookings please contact the Canterbury Museum.
School Visits and Tours can also be booked directly through us. Please contact us for further information and bookings.
Download the Risk Analysis Management (RAM) for School Group