TREES AND TURRETS
The Riccarton Tea House is a distinctive building; there is no other like it in Australasia.
Having a proud place as a gem on the Canterbury Plains since it was built in 1903, in the style of an Edwardian country homestead featuring romantic turrets and wrap-around veranda, this restored historic venue has all the modern facilities.
Set in its own private parkland sheltered by magnificent trees and overlooking a stunning water feature, The Tea House is the perfect venue for ceremonies on the lawns, photographs under the trees, canapés and drinks on the veranda, and receptions with guests seated eating indoors at intimate round tables.
Constructed to mark the 50th anniversary of the Canterbury Jockey Club, the building was erected as a place for women to enjoy race days. This was ten years after women were given the right to vote in New Zealand, but females were still not allowed in the Stewards Stand at the time. In the 1940s, the Tea House became a dormitory for soldiers departing for WWII. In 1945, it was turned in to a makeshift hospital during the flu epidemic. Later in the 1950s and 60s, the Tea House, with its sprung wooden floor, became a popular dance hall as well as party and wedding venue.
At some stage in the 1960s, the verandas were enclosed, and the glazed doors removed to provide more internal space. The once-bustling Tea House became a quiet place. For more than 30 years the building sat and deteriorated. With the help of community trusts, passionate and skilled people, reconstruction and restoration began in the mid-2000s. Care was taken to ensure best trade practice was used and that all visible new work matched the original.
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the restoration of the Tea House meant the structure was returned to its former glory. Since then, it has operated as a premium location for weddings and auspicious events for Cantabrians.
Now completely restored to its original design, it features a wide veranda and two large roof turrets, giving it a pavilion-like appearance. Complementing the exterior features are the unique tongue and groove walls. Ceremonies can be arranged outside on the lawn, where you’ll enjoy a beautiful parkland setting with a wide selection of indoor venues and outdoor areas. Riccarton Park wedding co-ordinators aim to make it easy and trouble-free – helping you bring all your dreams to reality, with professional, friendly service and an excellent reputation for versatility, exceptional food, and competitive pricing. This is truly a venue with old-world charm and steeped in history – with the most iconic story.
Other spaces on site such as The Balmerino Room and Phar Lap, both within the Club Stand, and Show Gate are available alongside The Tea House, meaning there’s multiple venues spaces for a myriad of uses.