Pukekura Park - New Plymouth

Beautiful botanical gardens in the heart of New Plymouth city. 52 hectares of bush walks, parkland, lakes, play and picnic areas, and home to the famous annual Festival of Lights.

Pukekura Park is a local treasure, a proud and prominent member of New Plymouth's many attractions, and a designated 'Garden of Significance'. Established in 1876, the park has always been a haven for wildlife and peace and quiet and has since expanded to include a great network of walking tracks, pretty bridges, viewing platforms, lakes, fountains and a Fernery and Display Houses, where you can find dozens of exotic and rare plant species. You can row boats across the lake on a fine day, or sit and watch a game of cricket. The Park is also home to concerts, events and the annual Festival of Lights every December to February, transforming the park into a magical wonderland that will entrance children and adults alike.

Also in Pukekura Park, you'll find the TSB Bowl of Brooklands, which hosts many open air concerts throughout the year, thanks to a superlative sound stage and plenty of space for people to sit and watch the fun. Brooklands Zoo is also nearby, which is free to enter and a great place to take the kids for a few hours to see the otters, exotic birds and farmyard animals.

Bring your picnic to Pukekura Park and while away a few relaxing hours admiring the trees and plants, soaking up the silence, and marvelling at the magnificent view of Mount Taranaki that completes the scenic backdrop of this oasis of calm right in the middle of New Plymouth.

Opening Hours:

Pukekura Park is open daily from 7.30am-7.00pm and 7.30am-8.00pm during daylight savings.

The Fernery and Display Houses are open daily from 8.30am-4.00pm except Christmas day.