An inner city haven – historic house with café and toilets on-site, situated on the river bank in extensive grounds. The Riccarton Bush walk is an easy 20 minute walk through protected, ancient native forest – it’s undisturbed and is an interesting window into how Christchurch would have looked to the first settlers. In fact it’s the sole remnant of the kahikatea forest that clothed much of the coastal floodplains. The sound of birds in this pocket of forest is significant. Other than this there’s Riccarton House and Dean’s Cottage to wander through, plus lots of grass area for the kids to play.

Spencer Park is just 15 minutes drive north from the city centre, right on the beach at Spencerville. Facilities include: BBQ pits, sandy volleyball court, tennis, mini golf, adventure playground, flying fox, toddlers' pool and tons of running around space. It's just a stone's throw from a sandy beach and the popular Bottle Lake Forest Park - a perfect forest for walks and family-suited mountain bike trails. Spencer Park is also right opposite the fantastic Adrenalin Forest - a great outdoor climbing adventure for kids and adults(see our activities section for more information.) If you want to stay on-site, right next door is Spencer Beach Holiday Park. Check our accommodation section for more on this great family accommodation.