Prestons Suburb Guide
One of Christchurch's largest new subdivisions on the northern fringe
Ward: Burwood-Pegasus
Prestons is a large master-planned residential development on the northern edge of Christchurch, designed to accommodate thousands of new households as the city grows. The subdivision features modern housing on various section sizes, walking and cycling paths, neighbourhood parks, and a planned local centre. It represents some of the newest and most purpose-designed residential development in Christchurch.
The development is built on the flat Canterbury Plains with excellent motorway connections north and south. Schools in the wider Belfast area serve the community, and the Northwood Supa Centre is nearby for retail. CCC has invested in the infrastructure to support this major growth area -- roading, parks, and stormwater systems are all new.
Property values in Prestons reflect the new-build market -- above the older-housing Christchurch average per square metre, but with modern construction standards. The suburb attracts young families seeking new homes in a growing community environment.
Key Features
- Major new subdivision with modern infrastructure
- Walking and cycling paths throughout
- Close to Northwood retail and Belfast services
- Excellent motorway access
- Purpose-built community parks and green space
Property Market (Q4 2025)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $720,000 |
| Year-on-Year Change | +3.8% |
| Median Weekly Rent | $530/wk |
| Gross Rental Yield | 3.8% |
| Revaluation Change | +8% |
Demographics (2023 Census)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | 6,600 |
| Median Age | 32 |
| Median Income | $88,000 |
| Growth Rate | +8.5% |
Nearby Suburbs
Schools in Prestons (15)
There are 15 schools in Prestons, Christchurch.
| School | Type | EQI | Roll | Authority | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mairehau High School | Secondary (Y9-15) | 510 | 421 | State | Zoned |
| Shirley Boys' High School - Ngā Tama o Ōruapaeroa | Secondary (Y9-15) | 464 | 1,342 | State | Zoned |
| Akaroa Area School | Composite (Y1-15) | 455 | 126 | State | Open |
| The Cathedral Grammar School | Primary (Y1-8) | N/A | 237 | Private | Private |
| Lyttelton Primary School | Primary (Y1-8) | 424 | 120 | State | Zoned |
| Diamond Harbour School | Primary (Y1-8) | 412 | 109 | State | Open |
| Duvauchelle School | Primary (Y1-6) | 420 | 25 | State | Zoned |
| Te Kura o Ōhinetahi - Governors Bay | Primary (Y1-8) | 386 | 91 | State | Zoned |
| Little River School | Primary (Y1-8) | 423 | 35 | State | Open |
| Mairehau Primary School | Primary (Y1-8) | 466 | 360 | State | Zoned |
| Okains Bay School | Primary (Y1-8) | 545 | 8 | State | Open |
| St Mary's School (Christchurch) | Primary (Y1-8) | 397 | 117 | State Integrated | Open |
| St Teresa's School (Riccarton) | Primary (Y1-8) | 398 | 160 | State Integrated | Zoned |
| Waimairi School | Primary (Y1-6) | 418 | 306 | State | Zoned |
| Yaldhurst School – Tōtara Tūkaha | Primary (Y1-8) | 432 | 124 | State | Zoned |