Her City: The Women Who Built Christchurch

Step into the lives of three remarkable women who helped shape Ōtautahi Christchurch.

This whole day tour weaves together the legacies of Dame Ngaio Marsh, Kate Sheppard, and Jane Deans . As you journey through their historic homes, you’ll discover how each woman’s vision, courage, and creativity were rooted in the very spaces they inhabited.

Their homes are more than buildings; they’re landmarks that are witnesses to the ideas, activism, and artistry that helped build a city and inspire a nation.

This is an exclusive Christchurch Heritage Festival event with a limited-time offer – of three guided tours and morning tea - normally $70 offered for $38.50!

What to expect:

• A full day experience with group of 15
• Three guided tours and opportunity to explore each home
• Self-organised transportation between the houses
• Your morning tea is included at Kate Sheppard House
• Allotted time to enoy lunch at Riccarton House's cafe.

Discover the lives and legacies of three iconic Christchurch women on this unique guided tour.

Your visit to Ngaio Marsh House: explore the creative legacy of Dame Ngaio Marsh –internationally celebrated crime writer, artist, and theatre director. Her home, where she lived for over 70 years, is still filled with her original furniture and belongings, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into her extraordinary life and work.

Your visit to Kate Sheppard House: step into the heart of Aotearoa's suffrage movement. This home was the powerhouse from which New Zealand’s most celebrated suffrage leader led the campaign to win women the vote. Enjoy morning tea in the Camellia Room and reflect on how this home helped shape one of Aotearoa’s greatest social reforms.

Finally, your visit to Riccarton House: uncover the story of Jane Deans – a pioneering settler, businesswoman, and community advocate. Wander through the earliest settler cottage and her larger family home - Riccarton House - and learn how her leadership and environmental stewardship helped shape early Ōtautahi Christchurch.