Right in the heart of New Plymouth you’ll find the multi-faceted Pukekura Park.
Established way back in 1876, the 52-hectare recreational reserve is a hub for sporting fixtures, festivals and garden rambles.
Each summer, Pukekura Park is home to the vibrant Festival of Lights (running from 17 December – 22 January) and the multi-day musical extravaganza of WOMAD (from 17 – 19 March) at the park’s Bowl of Brooklands, but you can visit year-round to appreciate the walking trails, the tranquil lake and gardens galore.
Colourful orchids, begonias, fuchsias and bromeliads abound in the Fernery and Display Houses – three glass-roofed caverns excavated into the hillside.
And, for a family outing, take the kids to the Brooklands Zoo on the outskirts of Pukekura Park, where they can spot monkeys, meerkats and capybara. Best of all, it’s free to visit.
