New Zealand’s largest collection of rhododendrons, uniquely displayed in a Taranaki rainforest setting. More than 10,000 plants fill the 20 hectare garden set in 360 hectares of native bush. More than 20 kilometres of tracks bisect the property so that you can visit for one hour or a whole day.
The garden contains a wide range of plants suited to the rainforest climate and provides interest all year round. Covered growing areas feature a major collection of the sub tropical Vireya rhododendrons and associated plants. These flower every month of the year so there is always a rhododendron out at Pukeiti - plus more.
The Garden and Cafe are open every day except Christmas Day, 9am - 5pm September to March and 10am - 3pm April to August. Last entry is one hour before stated closing time. A souvenir shop is within the Gatehouse, which also includes an outdoor dining deck, a theatre and display room. This features a cut flower display during the Taranaki Rhododendron Festival period, normally the last weekend in October through first week of November.
The Garden is available for weddings and functions and rooms are also available for this purpose. Mobility Scooters are offered free of charge and a five seat buggy can be pre-booked for groups and families with a disabled visitor. Pukeiti is disability friendly with ramps, signed pathways and wheelchair toilets and two dedicated parking places outside the main entrance.
Most of the garden paths are mown grass with a balance of gravel and seal. Outer tracks are rough grass and graded clay.
Pukeiti is a Founder Member of the New Zealand Gardens Trust and designated a Garden of National Significance. Pukeiti is a Qualmark Endorsed Visitor Activity.
Pukeiti is 25 kilometres south of New Plymouth on the Carrington Road, 30 minutes drive. |
