Pukekura Park — Attraction in North Island

Pukekura Park in New Plymouth is widely considered a jewel in New Zealand's horticultural crown, offering a truly diverse and engaging experience for all ages. Here's a comprehensive review: Overall Impression: Pukekura Park is a sprawling, meticulously maintained urban oasis that seamlessly blends formal gardens, native bush, open lawns, and recreational facilities. It's much more than just a park; it's a living canvas that changes with the seasons, offering something new to discover with every visit. Its beauty, tranquility, and variety make it a beloved spot for locals and a must-see for visitors to New Plymouth. Key Highlights: Diverse Landscapes: The park boasts an impressive range of landscapes, from formal English-style gardens with vibrant annual bedding displays to dense native bush walks, tranquil fern grottos (the Fernery & Display Houses are a particular highlight), and serene lakes. This variety ensures there's always something visually appealing around every corner. Iconic Features: Lakes and Waterfalls: The series of artificial lakes, fed by natural streams, are central to the park's charm. You can rent traditional wooden rowboats (seasonal) for a peaceful paddle, and the picturesque waterfall (which lights up at night during the Festival of Lights) is a popular photo spot. Poet's Bridge: This charming bridge is another favorite for photographers and adds to the park's romantic ambiance. Bowl of Brooklands: A world-class natural amphitheater nestled within the park, the Bowl of Brooklands is famous for hosting major concerts, including the WOMAD festival, and is a key venue for the Festival of Lights. Its lakeside setting provides a unique and memorable concert experience. Fernery & Display Houses: These partially sunken glass-topped grottos are a tropical haven, showcasing an extensive collection of native and exotic ferns and other plants. It's a fantastic place to escape the elements and immerse yourself in lush greenery. Brooklands Zoo: A free, family-friendly zoo located within the park, home to a variety of animals, including farmyard animals, meerkats, and a walk-through aviary. It's a great bonus for families. TSB Festival of Lights (Summer): This is arguably Pukekura Park's most famous event. From mid-December to late January, the park transforms into a magical wonderland with hundreds of dazzling light displays, live entertainment, and food vendors. It's a free event and a truly enchanting experience, especially for families. There's also a smaller "Winter Pop-Up" around Matariki. Accessibility: The park is generally very accessible, with well-maintained paths suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. There are numerous entrances, allowing easy access from various parts of the city. Free Entry: Pukekura Park (and Brooklands Zoo) is free to enter and enjoy year-round, making it an incredibly valuable community asset and an affordable attraction for tourists. Wildlife: The park is home to a variety of birdlife, including ducks, shags, tui, and kereru (New Zealand wood pigeon), adding to the natural experience. Things to Consider: Crowds during Festival of Lights: While magical, the Festival of Lights attracts large crowds, particularly on weekends and evenings. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit during the day or in the off-season. Tips for Visitors: Allocate Time: Pukekura Park is expansive (52 hectares), so allow plenty of time to explore its various sections. You could easily spend half a day or more here. Wear Comfortable Shoes: There are many paths to explore, so comfortable footwear is essential. Pack a Picnic: The park offers numerous beautiful spots for a picnic. Alternatively, the Tea House on the Lake provides refreshments. Check Event Listings: If you're visiting in summer, definitely check the dates for the TSB Festival of Lights and any concerts at the Bowl of Brooklands. Visit the Fernery: Even if you're not a keen gardener, the Fernery is a unique and...

Beautiful amazing park ! It is like a prehistoric Jurassic Park! I got lost twice in the park because of the hidden small tracks ! The park itself is not that big but God forbid it is bushy and there are tracks everywhere..You may end up in on of the car parks or tennis clubs or horse race course not knowing where it is ! It was an adventure for me. It may give you a bit of nerve wrecking if you go to the sideway tracks, mainly because it is so solitary. A great way to rewind yourself I think because it is a forest itself. The flora and fauna are amazing. 2000 year old Ginko and Puriri trees were the highlight (God forbid). Birds are everywhere, although you can’t see them. There are more trees in this park than in half the World: from Californian Redwoods to Greek Cypresses. During the late afternoon the sun glitters through the trees or simply reflect everything on the main lake! It was a painting itself! Do remember it can be nerve wrecking wandering at late but it should be safe, I think. I saw a couple of kids in the playground completely surrounded by the dark. Also there were a few runners. It is just completely dark as the park is not well lit with lights, or anything at all. I do recommend wandering around before 4pm as its gets dark...

It’s a beautiful park. There are enough things to do to keep you entertained. There’s a cafe you can relax after a nice walk around the park. There’s a buggy you can ride on for $5 per person and a gold coin donation for children, it takes you around the park effortlessly. There’s a fernery where you can see various of plants and flowers, free of entrance! It is a big park, you can definitely get those steps in easily. There’s a public toilet too. You can see different age groups hanging around. You can meet different dog breeds too as they take a stroll on the park with their owner. You can also find ducks waddling around. Parking may be a struggle though. Best to park your car at the park rather than at the entrance of the park! Oh and it’s also wheelchair...