Pukekura Gardens
In the centre of New Plymouth, you’ll find Pukekura Park. One of New Zealand’s premier Botanic Gardens, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon, meandering through formal gardens, around lakes and through native bushland.
It began life as a treeless , swampy village back in 1876 but is now recognised by New Zealand garden Trust as a Founding Garden of National Significance, one of 8 in the region.
The 44 hectares of parkland offer something for everyone, from English Country Garden areas, to a highly recommended Tea House, children’s playing area, a waterfall and even a zoo. You can take a trip out on one of the two lakes on a wooden rowing boat which is great fun, or take it easy and follow one of the many walking trails around the park taking in the diverse landscapes.
The natural amphitheatre on the edge of one of the lakes, The Bowl of Brooklands is a great place to watch one of the regular concerts that are held in the park. We really recommend one of the evening concerts as the light show that’s provided by the lights reflecting on the lake is spectacular. There’s also a festival of lights that’s held every year between December and February.
What our travellers enjoyed about Pukekura Park…
- Catching a game of at the cricket oval that’s also one of the parks many attractions
- Visiting the Glasshouse and enjoying the floral jungle within
- Enjoying an Ice cream at the Tea House and taking in the view of the lake, bridge and beyond the stunning Mount Taranaki
