14/09/2026
🌿🍃 A Walk Through Christchurch’s History at Riccarton Bush! 🍃🌿
Last week, our students enjoyed a fantastic visit to Riccarton Bush (Pūtaringamotu), one of Christchurch’s most special historic and natural landmarks. As they wandered through the beautiful native forest, they spotted native birds and explored towering kahikatea trees that are between 400 and 600 years old. The bush is the last remaining remnant of the ancient forest that once covered much of the Canterbury Plains.
Students also visited Deans Cottage, built in 1843 and recognised as the oldest surviving building on the Canterbury Plains. The cottage tells the story of Christchurch’s earliest European settlers and sits alongside a forest that has been carefully protected for generations.
It was a wonderful opportunity to experience New Zealand’s natural environment, learn about local history, and enjoy a peaceful afternoon with friends from around the world. 😊
