Situated just 3 km from Christchurch city centre, it is a haven of native flora and fauna and an important cultural heritage site.

Putharingamotu/Riccarton Bush is a long-standing treasure of the city and a remnant of what Canterbury Plains once was.

Gifted to the people of Christchurch by the Deans family in 1914, this abundant bushland is one of the oldest protected areas in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The 7.8 hectare forest is a collection of predominantly kahikatea (up to 600 years old), totara, matai, koihai and hinau, with native climbers, ferns, mosses and fungi growing underneath.

Putaringamotu/Riccarton Bush Ranger Mike Stinson says the area is the starting point for development in the region.

“This bush is the only remaining remnant on the lower Canterbury plains, so we often help environmental organizations collect seeds for their own nurseries and native plantings around Christchurch.

“The bush is relatively self-sufficient, so we’re really working to protect the forest from exotic pests and weeds and give it a helping hand so it can continue to thrive in an urban environment.”

The oasis was once home to kiwi, takahe and moa, and now a variety of native creatures hide among the foliage from the forest floor to the treetops.

Choirs of native birds including korimako/bluebirds, pivakawaka/fantails, riroro/grey warblers and tauhou/silvereyes echo through the lush greenery.

Nocturnal Waitaha/Canterbury geckos emerge from the tree canopy after dark, and newly introduced native weta call the damp garden home.

“If we weren’t here, the bush would continue to grow – and everything would be fine. Our job is to care for natural habitats, allowing them to thrive without harming the natural ecosystem,” says Mike.

“Tree seedlings are genetically suited to the region, so I see the bush as a science laboratory where we can learn and contribute to improving Christchurch’s biodiversity.”

Putharingamotu/Riccarton Bush Rangers also collect seedlings to grow in their nursery to complement on-site regeneration.

Council Nurseries often receive kahikatea from bushes that end up in the ground at sites across Christchurch.