Heritage organisations

The Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings
The only purpose-built provincial government buildings still in existence in New Zealand. The Provincial Council Buildings (1858–1865) were designed by Benjamin Mountfort, Canterbury’s leading Gothic Revival architect. Closed to the public since the Christchurch earthquakes.

Christchurch City Council Heritage
The City Council’s heritage unit collects and manages information relating to the city’s cultural heritage.

Ferrymead Heritage Park

Ferrymead Park features an early 1900s (Edwardian) township and the park has a variety of restored cottages plus a school house, church and businesses which reflect the period and allow visitors to experience life for the early residents of Christchurch. There is a large array of heritage exhibitions and displays owned and operated by individual societies and manned by their volunteers.

Details of upcoming events and admission prices can all be viewed on their website.

Open every day from 10am-4.30pm – with trams running on the weekend.

Riccarton House and Bush
Riccarton House and Bush / Pūtaringamotu is a unique New Zealand heritage site consisting of two historic buildings, flanked by beautiful open parkland and ornate gardens, bordered by Ōtākaro / Avon River and set against extensive native bush forest featuring kahikatea trees up to 600 years old. Riccarton House is a grand Victorian/Edwardian homestead built in three stages – 1856, 1874 and 1900 – for Canterbury’s pioneering Deans family. The house is fully restored and is decorated and furnished in appropriate period style. Deans Cottage, the colonial cottage built for pioneering Scottish brothers, William and John Deans, in 1843 by Samuel Manson, is the oldest building on the Canterbury Plains. Riccarton Bush Pūtaringamotu, a 7.8-hectare remnant Kahikatea Forest situated just 3km from the city centre of Christchurch. Guided tours to the house are available.