The TSB Bank Festival of Lights is a free annual event which runs over the summer months in New Plymouth's Pukekura Park.

The festival's origins date back to 1953 when in commemoration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II a fountain with feature enhancing lights was installed in one of the lakes in Pukekura Park, New Plymouth. The first illuminations were created in the park in 1957, and from there displays grew alongside the Christmas Lights throughout the city streets.

The festival of lights itself started in 1993, and the TSB Bank Festival of Lights is now the longest running and most successful festival and arts event in Taranaki, attracting many thousands of visitors each year.

In 2005 the festival was named Creative New Zealand's premier Cultural Festival and Arts Event and recently the festival has advanced to the coveted "Mayfair" spot in the new version of New Zealand’s Monopoly board game.

Since 1993 the TSB Bank Festival of Lights has been managed by New Plymouth District Council.  The festival delivers a wide-ranging programme of events, entertainment and a spectacular lighting display set against the backdrop of New Plymouth’s 52 hectare jewel, Pukekura Park.

Event Details

The TSB Bank Festival of Lights is an annual event that runs for 8 weeks from mid-December until mid-February. The event consists of 3 key components:

 
Lighting display in Pukekura Park: At night, fluorescent pebble paths sparkle beneath excited feet, majestic trees and plants glow, waterfalls and lakes shimmer and shine beneath a myriad of lighting displays. Each year, selected areas of New Plymouth’s magnificent Pukekura Park are transformed into a magical and mysterious wonderland that attracts more than 150,000 visitors to a spectacular theatre of light. More than 1,000 lights and 5km of cable create a night-time illuminated wonderland. Additional features such as the talking giant, fire poi dancers and glow parades captivate the young and the not so young. Structures such as the park's water wheel, fountains and the historic band rotunda are flooded with lights, while illuminated wooden rowboats offer a romantic boating opportunity like no other.

On Stage: A nightly entertainment programme held in Pukekura Park. Two open-air stages of entertainment over an eight-week period feature local, national and international performers.  All performances are provided free to the local community and visitors to the district, leaving no-one in any doubt about where to go for a unique kiwi summer experience! 

Summer Scene: A daytime activities and events programme delivered at over 25 venues throughout New Plymouth District for children and their families. Activities include scavenger hunts, a Teddy Bears Picnic, pool events, creative and artistic experiences, competitions and much more.