Where is Upper Riccarton?

Upper Riccarton is in western Christchurch, around 6 km from the central city, centred on the Church Corner junction of Riccarton Road and Yaldhurst Road. It borders Riccarton, Ilam, Sockburn and Avonhead.

What is Church Corner?

Church Corner is the junction of Riccarton Road and Yaldhurst Road at the heart of Upper Riccarton, named after the historic St Peter's Anglican church on the corner. It's the suburb's main shopping and transport hub.

What schools are in Upper Riccarton?

Riccarton High School (state co-ed), Villa Maria College (state-integrated Catholic girls') and Middleton Grange School (state-integrated Christian, years 1 to 13) all sit within the Upper Riccarton area.

Is Upper Riccarton near the University of Canterbury?

Yes. The University of Canterbury campus in Ilam borders Upper Riccarton, a short walk or bike ride away, which gives the suburb a substantial student population and a busy flatting market.

How do I get from central Christchurch to Upper Riccarton?

By car, around 12 to 15 minutes via Riccarton Road. The Orbiter and several frequent bus routes serve Church Corner and Riccarton Road from the central Bus Interchange.

Which schools are in zone for Upper Riccarton?

Children living in Upper Riccarton are in zone for Christchurch Adventist School, Villa Maria College, St Thomas of Canterbury College, Riccarton High School, Middleton Grange School, Te Puna Wai o Waipapa - Hagley College, Ilam School, Kahikatea Kirkwood Intermediate, Our Lady of Victories, Te Kāpehu Riccarton School. Living in a school's home zone gives a guaranteed right to enrol.

How do I check my school zone in Upper Riccarton?

Use the School Zone Checker on this page. Enter your address to check your school zone and see which schools you have a guaranteed right to enrol at.

Upper Riccarton, Canterbury | Postcode, Population & Property Values

Living in Upper Riccarton

Upper Riccarton sits around 6 km west of central Christchurch, where Riccarton Road meets Yaldhurst Road at the junction everyone calls Church Corner, after the 19th-century St Peter's church that still stands on it. The suburb is the hinge between the city's western retail sprawl and the University of Canterbury next door in Ilam, and the student population shapes a fair bit of the local rhythm.

Around 9,000 people live here, in a mix of older bungalows, post-war family homes and the flats and townhouses that university-adjacent suburbs accumulate. The flatting market is a permanent feature, and so is the turnover every November.

Church Corner and the Bush Inn Centre cover the shopping, and the stretch of Riccarton Road through Upper Riccarton has quietly become one of Christchurch's best food strips, with a dense run of Asian restaurants, grocers and bakeries that reflects the area's genuinely international population. Westfield Riccarton is a short drive east for the mall experience.

The school lineup is unusually strong for one suburb: Riccarton High School, Villa Maria College and Middleton Grange School all sit within the area, which keeps family demand steady alongside the student flats. The CBD is 15 minutes east, the airport 10 minutes northwest. Upper Riccarton is a crossroads that turned into a suburb. The food strip alone justifies the visit.

Is Upper Riccarton a good place to live?

Upper Riccarton is home to roughly 7,641 people across 2.4 km². On Suburb's overall livability scale, Upper Riccarton scores 51 out of 100, with a safety score of 39/100 and 7% green space.

Schools: Upper Riccarton has 63 schools in or near the suburb, spanning early-childhood through to secondary education. See the Schools tab below for the full list.

Housing: The estimated median value is around $813K, and weekly rent typically sits around $430.

Lifestyle: Upper Riccarton has cafés, shops and things to do nearby. The current temperature is 3.0°C. See the Weather tab for monthly averages.

Whether Upper Riccarton is right for you depends on what you’re looking for. Use the data and community tips below to decide if it suits your lifestyle, family and budget.

Map

Livability Breakdown

Safety39
Amenities100
Schools76
Housing Affordability46
Green space22
Community10
Transport19

Property & Economics

Est. Median Value: $813K
Median Weekly Rent: $430/wk
Median HH Income: $73K/yr
Pop. Growth (5yr): +2.9%
Data Year: 2023

Key Financial Indicators (NZD)

† Est. Median Value is suburb.co.nz's own estimate, modelled from available public data. We aim for accuracy, but where data is limited, estimates may be imprecise.

Nearby Suburbs

Browse all suburbs in Christchurch City →

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Upper Riccarton?: Upper Riccarton is in western Christchurch, around 6 km from the central city, centred on the Church Corner junction of Riccarton Road and Yaldhurst Road. It borders Riccarton, Ilam, Sockburn and Avonhead.
What is Church Corner?: Church Corner is the junction of Riccarton Road and Yaldhurst Road at the heart of Upper Riccarton, named after the historic St Peter's Anglican church on the corner. It's the suburb's main shopping and transport hub.
What schools are in Upper Riccarton?: Riccarton High School (state co-ed), Villa Maria College (state-integrated Catholic girls') and Middleton Grange School (state-integrated Christian, years 1 to 13) all sit within the Upper Riccarton area.
Is Upper Riccarton near the University of Canterbury?: Yes. The University of Canterbury campus in Ilam borders Upper Riccarton, a short walk or bike ride away, which gives the suburb a substantial student population and a busy flatting market.
How do I get from central Christchurch to Upper Riccarton?: By car, around 12 to 15 minutes via Riccarton Road. The Orbiter and several frequent bus routes serve Church Corner and Riccarton Road from the central Bus Interchange.
Which schools are in zone for Upper Riccarton?: Children living in Upper Riccarton are in zone for Christchurch Adventist School, Villa Maria College, St Thomas of Canterbury College, Riccarton High School, Middleton Grange School, Te Puna Wai o Waipapa - Hagley College, Ilam School, Kahikatea Kirkwood Intermediate, Our Lady of Victories, Te Kāpehu Riccarton School. Living in a school's home zone gives a guaranteed right to enrol.
How do I check my school zone in Upper Riccarton?: Use the School Zone Checker on this page. Enter your address to check your school zone and see which schools you have a guaranteed right to enrol at.

Schools & Enrolment Zones in Upper Riccarton

Schools in zone for Upper Riccarton

Children living in Upper Riccarton have a guaranteed right to enrol at these schools, based on Ministry of Education home zones.

Christchurch Adventist School
Composite · roll 285 · decile 6
Villa Maria College
Secondary (Year 7-15) · roll 835 · decile 9
St Thomas of Canterbury College
Secondary (Year 7-15) · roll 708 · decile 8
Riccarton High School
Secondary (Year 9-15) · roll 1116 · decile 6
Middleton Grange School
Composite · roll 1387 · decile 9
Te Puna Wai o Waipapa - Hagley College
Secondary (Year 9-15) · roll 2123 · decile 3
Ilam School
Contributing · roll 368 · decile 9
Kahikatea Kirkwood Intermediate
Intermediate · roll 284 · decile 8
Our Lady of Victories
Full Primary · roll 251 · decile 6
Te Kāpehu Riccarton School
Full Primary · roll 353 · decile 3

Check your school zone

School Zone Checker

Enter your address to check your school zone in Upper Riccarton. School enrolment zones (home zones) decide which schools your child has a guaranteed right to enrol at.

Address matching is approximate and based on OpenStreetMap geocoding — confirm an exact result near a zone boundary directly with the school.

Other nearby schools

Schools close to Upper Riccarton that you may be able to enrol at under open enrolment or by application (outside your home zone).

St Teresa's School (Riccarton)
Full Primary · roll 168 · decile 6 · 1.2 km away
Medbury Preparatory School
Full Primary · roll 372 · decile 10 · 1.5 km away
Wharenui School
Full Primary · roll 393 · decile 3 · 1.6 km away
Christchurch Boys' High School
Secondary (Year 9-15) · roll 1434 · decile 8 · 1.8 km away
Avonhead School - Rakipaoa
Full Primary · roll 585 · decile 8 · 1.8 km away
Tūora Fendalton School
Contributing · roll 405 · decile 10 · 2.0 km away
Tuia Burnside Primary School
Contributing · roll 313 · decile 8 · 2.2 km away
Westburn Te Kura O Hereora
Full Primary · roll 450 · decile 10 · 2.3 km away
Wairarapa Cobham Intermediate
Intermediate · roll 675 · decile 8 · 2.5 km away
Christ The King School (Burnside)
Full Primary · roll 309 · decile 8 · 2.6 km away
Southern Health School
Specialist School · roll 20 · decile 4 · 2.7 km away
Burnside High School
Secondary (Year 9-15) · roll 2738 · decile 9 · 2.8 km away
Christchurch Girls' High School -Te Kura o Hine Waiora
Secondary (Year 9-15) · roll 1302 · decile 9 · 2.8 km away
Merrin School Ngā Whetū Kohara
Full Primary · roll 441 · decile 9 · 2.9 km away
Hillmorton High School
Secondary (Year 7-15) · roll 1441 · decile 4 · 3.0 km away
Te Parito Kōwhai Russley School
Full Primary · roll 414 · decile 7 · 3.1 km away
Sacred Heart School (Christchurch)
Full Primary · roll 185 · decile 4 · 3.2 km away
Wigram Primary School - Te Piki Kāhu
Contributing · roll 469 · 3.2 km away
Te Kura o Mōkihi Spreydon School
Contributing · roll 276 · decile 4 · 3.2 km away
St Patrick's School (Bryndwr)
Full Primary · roll 169 · decile 7 · 3.2 km away
Te Whānau o Otu Mātua
Specialist School · roll 13 · decile 2 · 3.4 km away
Te Kōmanawa Rowley School
Contributing · roll 235 · decile 1 · 3.4 km away
Aidanfield Christian School
Composite · roll 457 · decile 8 · 3.5 km away
Rangi Ruru Girls' School
Secondary (Year 7-15) · roll 705 · decile 10 · 3.6 km away
Addington Te Kura Taumatua
Contributing · roll 335 · decile 3 · 3.6 km away
Elmwood Normal School
Contributing · roll 527 · decile 10 · 3.6 km away
Wairakei School (Christchurch)
Contributing · roll 201 · decile 10 · 3.7 km away
St Margaret's College
Composite · roll 866 · decile 10 · 3.8 km away
Waimairi School
Contributing · roll 312 · decile 9 · 3.8 km away
Ferndale Te Ahu
Specialist School · roll 141 · decile 9 · 3.9 km away
He Tīwai Mātauranga Heaton Normal Intermediate
Intermediate · roll 536 · decile 10 · 3.9 km away
Christ's College
Secondary (Year 9-15) · roll 708 · decile 10 · 4.0 km away
Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon School
Contributing · roll 264 · decile 4 · 4.0 km away
Selwyn House School
Full Primary · roll 288 · decile 10 · 4.0 km away
Hornby High School
Secondary (Year 7-15) · roll 1024 · decile 3 · 4.1 km away
The Cathedral Grammar School
Full Primary · roll 242 · decile 10 · 4.1 km away
St Andrew's College (Christchurch)
Composite · roll 1640 · 4.2 km away
Hoon Hay Te Kura Kōaka
Contributing · roll 428 · decile 10 · 4.3 km away
Our Lady of the Assumption School (Chch)
Full Primary · roll 324 · decile 10 · 4.3 km away
Te Manu Tukutuku South Hornby School
Contributing · roll 290 · decile 4 · 4.3 km away
St Bernadette's School (Hornby)
Full Primary · roll 166 · decile 4 · 4.3 km away
Christchurch South Karamata Intermediate School
Intermediate · roll 485 · decile 4 · 4.4 km away
Te Kura o Te Mātāpuna Isleworth School
Contributing · roll 225 · decile 5 · 4.4 km away
Te Ara Maurea Roydvale School
Contributing · roll 282 · decile 9 · 4.4 km away
St Michael's Church School
Full Primary · roll 124 · decile 8 · 4.4 km away
Hornby Primary School
Contributing · roll 255 · decile 3 · 4.5 km away
Oaklands Te Kura o Ōwaka
Full Primary · roll 627 · decile 8 · 4.5 km away
TKKM o Te Whanau Tahi
Composite · roll 229 · decile 3 · 4.6 km away
Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery
Composite · roll 650 · decile 8 · 4.7 km away
Gilberthorpe School
Contributing · roll 225 · decile 2 · 4.8 km away
Christchurch North College
Secondary (Year 7-15) · roll 53 · 4.8 km away
Paparoa Street School
Contributing · roll 324 · decile 10 · 5.0 km away
St Albans Catholic School (Christchurch)
Contributing · roll 108 · decile 9 · 5.0 km away

Rubbish & Recycling

Rubbish collection: Thursday (weekly)
Recycling & organics: Thursday (fortnightly, varies by street)

Collection weeks vary by street in Upper Riccarton — use the CCC tool to confirm your exact schedule.

Check your exact collection days on the CCC tool →

Rubbish bin

Non-recyclable general waste. Put out every Thursday.

Recycling bin

Paper, cardboard, glass bottles & jars, metal cans, rigid plastic containers. Put out every second Thursday.

Food scraps bin

All food scraps and garden organics. Collected every second Thursday alongside recycling.

Collection data sourced from Christchurch City Council.

Explore Upper Riccarton

Things to do(12)

Anytime Fitness

9Round

Rannerdale Sport Field

Action Reaction Fitness

Ninja Valley Christchurch

Snap Fitness

UC Rec and Sport

Auburn Reserve Playground

University of Canterbury Badminton Club

Middleton Park

Canterbury Table Tennis Association

Table Tennis Canterbury

Parks & green spaces(3)

Rannerdale Sport Field

Auburn Reserve Playground

Middleton Park

Healthcare(4)

Unichem

Ear Health Riccarton

Riccarton Clinic and After Hours Medical Centre

Month	High (°C)	Low (°C)	Rainfall (mm/day)	Sunshine (hrs/day)
☀️ Jan	22.32	13.45	1.55	11.91
☀️ Feb	22.14	13	2.19	10.27
🍂 Mar	19.2	9.89	2.29	9.21
🍂 Apr	17.55	8.87	1.57	8.36
🍂 May	14.24	5.55	1.69	6.12
❄️ Jun	12.14	5.36	1.87	5.35
❄️ Jul	11.29	3.28	2.66	6.46
❄️ Aug	12.35	3.18	1.5	7.77
🌸 Sep	15.29	5.74	2.08	8.89
🌸 Oct	17.05	7.01	2.14	10.36
🌸 Nov	18.3	9.34	1.95	11.49
☀️ Dec	21.41	12.14	2.18	10.83

Living in Upper Riccarton

Is Upper Riccarton a good place to live?

Map

Livability Breakdown

Property & Economics

Key Financial Indicators (NZD)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Schools & Enrolment Zones in Upper Riccarton

Schools in zone for Upper Riccarton

Christchurch Adventist School

Villa Maria College

St Thomas of Canterbury College

Riccarton High School

Middleton Grange School

Te Puna Wai o Waipapa - Hagley College

Ilam School

Kahikatea Kirkwood Intermediate

Our Lady of Victories

Te Kāpehu Riccarton School

Check your school zone

School Zone Checker

Other nearby schools

St Teresa's School (Riccarton)

Medbury Preparatory School

Wharenui School

Christchurch Boys' High School

Avonhead School - Rakipaoa

Tūora Fendalton School

Tuia Burnside Primary School

Westburn Te Kura O Hereora

Wairarapa Cobham Intermediate

Christ The King School (Burnside)

Southern Health School

Burnside High School

Christchurch Girls' High School -Te Kura o Hine Waiora

Merrin School Ngā Whetū Kohara

Hillmorton High School

Te Parito Kōwhai Russley School

Sacred Heart School (Christchurch)

Wigram Primary School - Te Piki Kāhu

Te Kura o Mōkihi Spreydon School

St Patrick's School (Bryndwr)

Te Whānau o Otu Mātua

Te Kōmanawa Rowley School

Aidanfield Christian School

Rangi Ruru Girls' School

Addington Te Kura Taumatua

Elmwood Normal School

Wairakei School (Christchurch)

St Margaret's College

Waimairi School

Ferndale Te Ahu

He Tīwai Mātauranga Heaton Normal Intermediate

Christ's College

Te Ara Koropiko West Spreydon School

Selwyn House School

Hornby High School

The Cathedral Grammar School

St Andrew's College (Christchurch)

Hoon Hay Te Kura Kōaka

Our Lady of the Assumption School (Chch)

Te Manu Tukutuku South Hornby School

St Bernadette's School (Hornby)

Christchurch South Karamata Intermediate School

Te Kura o Te Mātāpuna Isleworth School

Te Ara Maurea Roydvale School

St Michael's Church School

Hornby Primary School

Oaklands Te Kura o Ōwaka

TKKM o Te Whanau Tahi

Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery

Gilberthorpe School

Christchurch North College

Paparoa Street School

St Albans Catholic School (Christchurch)