Discover the amazing Heathcote Valley

About Heathcote Valley

Heathcote Valley, in Christchurch, New Zealand, is nestled on the northern slopes of the Port Hills which separate Christchurch City from the nearby port town of Lyttelton. The city centre is about 8 kilometers to the northwest. The Port Hills are part of  a volcanic peninsula named Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū or Banks Peninsula. 

Heathcote Valley is named after Sir William Heathcote, who was secretary of the Canterbury Association when Christchurch was first settled. The valley covers an area of approximately 418 hectares, and is adjoined by Morgans Valley to the east and Horotane and Avoca Valleys the west. The current population is around 2,290 people.

The Heathcote Valley is not known to have been permanently settled by Māori. At the time of the arrival of the first Europeans there was a well established village over the hill at Rāpaki. The main route taken by Maori travelling to Te Ihutai (the estuary of the Ōtākaro Avon and Ōpāwaho Heathcote Rivers) and north to the plains was via the Rapaki Track.

In 1850 the early European settlers formed a pathway from Lytteton to the new settlement that was to become Christchurch City. The route, called the Bridle Path, passes through Heathcote Valley and can still be walked to this day, following the footsteps of the early pioneers.

In the early years of settlement, the area was developed as farmland, including grazing, orchards and market gardens. A brickworks and a malting works were established and a railway line contructed. It was not long before clusters of houses appeared forming what soon became the Heathcote village.
In 1867 a rail tunnel connecting Heathcote Valley to Lyttelton was completed, Prior to this, goods moving between Lyttelton and Christchurch were transported by sea, crossing the notorious Sumner Bar, before unloading at Ferrymead, at the mouth of the Heathcote River. (The Heathcote River doesn't actually flow through the valley). Almost a century later, in 1964, a  second tunnel to Lyttelton was opened, and now forms the main route for cars and trucks.

Heathcote Valley has a colourful history and has also become a popular place to live in modern times. The commute to the city is an easy one and there are popular beaches and recreational facilities right on our doorstep. There is a local preschool and a primary school, and even a well-stocked volunteer library.  The Valley Inn Tavern is our local pub and is well patronised by locals and visitors alike. There are also several small shops in the valley and larger shopping areas are close by at Ferrymead and Woolston.

Yet Heathcote Valley retains a semi-rural outlook and feels somewhat separated from the rush and bustle of the city. To the north are paddocks grazed by horses, parklands and wetlands along the lower reaches of the Heathcote river. To the south is the backdrop of the hills, overlooked by Te Tihi o Kahukura — Castle Rock, which features in our logo.

Being somewhat sheltered from extemes of weather and winter frosts, fruit and vegtables thrive in the area, with tomatoes, apples, apricots and flowers grown commercially. Home gardens flourish as well and many families grow their own produce.
The area was quite badly hit by the earthquakes in 2011, with Heathcote Valley being right on the epicentre. Today the physical rebulding is mostly complete, but the effects are lasting, though not necessarily in the way you might at first think. The earthquakes served to bring the local community together to support each other and lasting bonds were formed. The local response has been cited as an example of how adversity can result in strenthening of a community.
Though it could be seen as a thoroughfare between the city and the port, Heathcote Valley is also an exciting destination in its own right. It is home to the lower terminus of the Christchurch Gondola, a popular tourist attraction, the nearby Ferrymead Heritage Park, and many walking and cycling tracks, including the ever-popular Bridle Path.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, we invite you to take a look around this website and to check back from time to time as content is added and updated.

Demographics

Based on latest census data.

Location
8 Km from Christchurch City centre, in the southeast of the city.
Area: 4.2 sq Km

Population
Heathcote Valley has a population of approximately 2,290 residents. The community is a blend of different age groups, with a noticeable presence of both young families and older individuals.

Age Distribution
The age distribution in Heathcote Valley is as follows:
•	0-14 years: 20%
•	15-29 years: 15%
•	30-44 years: 25%
•	45-59 years: 20%
•	60+ years: 20%
Median age 44.6 years

Ethnicity
Heathcote Valley is predominantly European/Pākehā, with smaller percentages of Māori, Pacific Peoples, Asian, and other ethnic groups:
•	European/Pākehā: 85%
•	Māori: 10%
•	Pacific Peoples: 2%
•	Asian: 2%
•	Other Ethnicities: 1%

Dwellings
927 private dwellings
80.4% of residents own their own home (including family trusts)

Schools
- Primary school
    Heathcote Valley School  (Te Tihi o Kahukura) Years 1 - 8.
    Approximatey 220 students
- Secondary School
    Zoned for Te Aratai College in Linwood

Technology
88.7% of households have access to the Internet
95.7% of resident have a mobile phone (cellphone)