It is named after Sir William Heathcote, who was secretary of the Canterbury Association.

[3][4] Heathcote is 8 kilometres (5 mi) southeast of the city centre.

It is site of the lower terminus of the Christchurch Gondola, which goes up to the top of Mount Cavendish on the Port Hills.

The distinctive towers of the Canterbury Malting Company's maltworks dominated the skyline until 2012 when it was demolished to make way for residential developments.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 59.1% had no religion, 30.1% were Christian, 0.4% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.3% were Hindu, 0.5% were Muslim, 0.1% were Buddhist and 1.6% had other religions.