Your path to a piece of history
Fly down with us to see where you could immortalise yourself in the bush. Click on a marker to find out more.
Areas for board walk sponsorship
By sponsoring a board you'll help up preserve this native landscape for future generations. Your name, or the giftees name and a dedication will be added to our digital donor board. The digital donor board will show what area of the Bush you have sponsored a board in. The boards themselves will have no markings.
Ti Kouka Wetland
This area highlights the subtle variations of plant species within the bush due to environmental conditions. It also gives you a glimpse of how wert and swampy Putaringamotu Riccarton Bush used to be.
Curly Root Kahikatea
This excellent area will be enlarged slightly to improve educational visits as this site allows you to see the layers of the forest and the structure and mechanics behind the swamp-adapted Kahikatea.
The Grove
The grove will be developed to be a larger space with the capacity to hold larger groups and a variety of functions. The new design will divert all visitors through this space. Being at the heart of the forest, the grove allows visitors to see the primeval Kahikatea trees up close.
Restoration Area
This area highlights the susceptibility of natural area to human modification but also showcases the positive impact restoration and management efforts can have.
Childrens Nature Learning Area
This will be a space for formal and informal learning with the capacity to support visiting school groups. The space will be an immersive sensory experience, allowing children to explore the elements found in Putaringamotu Riccarton Bush.
Our Latest Board Sponsors
A huge thank you to all the wonderful people that have purchased a board
Trudi B
Kia ora! We are a group of 5-7 year olds who have learnt all about Māori explorers who arrived in Ōtautahi, Waitaha. We visited Riccarton Bush as part of our learning. We want to make sure this special place is there for lots of other children to experience what it was like when people first came. We organised a non uniform day at Tuia Burnside Primary and raised the money for the boardwalks. **Please make sure the boards are attributed to Tuia Burnside Primary School 2024
December 6, 2024
Nicola C.
Many happy memories with my children spent in Riccarton Bush and so more than happy to help preserve for future children's continued enjoyment.
December 9, 2024
Jane B.
Favourite place in Chch
December 10, 2024
November 20, 2024
A major enhancement project
A project for a hugely significant site, both ecologically and culturally.
Ecological significance
Pūtaringamotu is hugely significant, ecologically and culturally. It is the largest remnant of alluvial podocarp forest on the lower Canterbury Plains and Banks Peninsula, a forest type that today only covers a tiny fraction of its former extent.
Cultural significance
It is a key Mahinga Kai site for Ngai Tūāhuriri, and the place of first permanent European settlement in Otautahi. It was gifted to the people of Christchurch by the Deans family on the 2nd of November, 1914.
Protecting native wildlife
Our native birds, insects and geckos are protected by our predator proof fence. Kereru, Bellbird, Fantail and Grey Warbler are some of the birds that call our place home.
Our mission
The Riccarton Bush Trust is charged with protecting and enhancing Pūtaringamotu Riccarton Bush as well as promoting and enhancing its natural and cultural heritage.
How your sponsorship will help the bush and the wildlife
We need your help to protect, conserve and enhance Pūtaringamotu Riccarton Bush.
Integrate Ngāi Tūāhuriri narratives
Through the Pūtaringamotu Riccarton Bush enhancement project we aim to integrate Ngāi Tūāhuriri narratives, values and associations through design, art, entrance experience and interpretation.
Upgrade Track
There are nearly 900 metres of tracks to enjoy with it all being flat and accessible to most. Areas of the boardwalk are starting to fail, and concrete paths have become displaced and uneven and creating a tripping hazard.
Develop new areas
In areas of the bush such as the Grove, we aim to create a world-class are to support larger groups visiting. This will help to educate our visitors on the cultural significance of this special heritage site.
Our Funding Partners
The Riccarton Bush Trust is deeply appreciative of the generous assistance given. The Trust would like to thank the following organisations who have provided support for this exciting project.
How to Donate
Find out how you can support our project.
Donate via Bank Transfer
$200+
If you prefer to donate via bank transfer, you can do so here :-
BNZ account: 02-0800-0888490-000
Account Name: Riccarton Bush Trust
Remember to detail your name and ref to Donation
If you want a receipt please contact us. We are a registered charity and you may be able to claim a tax rebate
Donate via Online Store
$50 - $200
For donations between $50 and $200 you can use our online store.
You will be sent an order confirmation, but if you need a registered charity receipt please do get in touch.
