The 5 Best Gardens in Taranaki Region, North Island

Pukekura Park covers 52ha (128 acres) right in the heart of New Plymouth, Taranaki and is one of New Zealand's premier botanical gardens. The park has an international Green Flag award and is a Garden of National Significance. With a diverse range of landscapes, the park features bush walks, formal gardens, lakes, children's play areas, a sports area and a Tea House. The park includes the Fernery and Display Houses as well as the adjacent garden estate area of Brooklands, home to the acclaimed TSB Bowl of Brooklands and Brooklands Zoo. As a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, Pukekura Park lights up over the summer as the backdrop for the annual TSB Bank Festival of Lights. The park is free to enter and can be accessed from various streets including Liardet Street, Brooklands Road, Fillis Street, Rogan Street, Kaimata Street and List Street.

A Garden of National Significance, this large country garden of trees, seasonal colour and diversity in landscaping, features a fine collection of exotic deciduous broadleaf and coniferous trees. The woodland gardens, shrub & perennial borders merge into the old growth forest hugging the 15-metre deep ravines enfolding the garden. The visitor experience includes fern gullies, waterfalls, ponds, suspension bridge, forest trails, native birds, and carpets of bluebells. Qualmark 4-star hosted accommodation enhances this special place.

A Garden of National Significance - A large country garden sensitively contoured across a hillside in South Taranaki making the most of views to Mt Taranaki and inland views including the adjacent 400year old Puketarata Pa. Skilled blending of a diverse range of native and exotic plants is a particular focus through the various garden rooms creating a garden which sits well in the landscape. Visits by appointment please 06 278 3081 as I may be away. The Garden is open for the 10 days of the PowerCo Taranaki Garden Spectacular which is the first week of November.

Explore a wonderland of rhododendrons planted within 360 hectares of rainforest, located between Mount Taranaki and the coast, just south of New Plymouth. Established in 1951, Pukeiti is an internationally recognised garden with one of the most diverse collections of rhododendrons on display anywhere in the world. Take a short garden walk or a more challenging adventure and with either, sense another world and time. Feel the spiritual significance of Pukeiti to local tangata whenua and learn some of the language, knowledge and stories which are part of the land. Find out about pioneering Europeans, passionate plant-collectors and garden-makers. Discover the property whilst doing a fun activity or make use of the facilities for a private or community event. Pukeiti is owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region. Share Pukeiti – a truly unique part of Taranaki’s heritage.

A horticultural oasis in the very heart of dairying country. A passionate plantsman's garden and Taranaki showcase. Come and learn about the history, the plants and how to grow them for yourself or just wander and appreciate the beauty. Now owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region. For no charge you can park your campervan in the carpark overnight, help yourself to tea and coffee in the Hollard Centre or use the barbeques by the fantastic children's playground. Enjoy it - it's yours.