Pukekura Park Tours and Activities

Pukekura Park which includes a cascade and forests
Pukekura Park which includes a lake or waterhole, a bridge and a park
Pukekura Park showing flowers
Pukekura Park featuring flowers
Pukekura Park

Relax in the sun and see a diverse range of native and exotic plant life at one of the country’s premier botanical gardens.

Discover a peaceful and idyllic environment at Pukekura Park, the pride and joy of New Plymouth. Covering an expanse of 128 acres (52 hectares) in the heart of the city, it is regarded as a garden of national significance. The park contains formal gardens, sports areas and a diverse range of landscapes. Spend a day soaking up the sunshine and find plenty of things to see and do here. In summer every year, the park hosts the Festival of Lights, when hundreds of lighting displays turn the park into an enormous, illuminated dreamland.

Rent a wooden rowboat to take out on the park’s main lake. Discover beautiful English-style gardens and a renowned cricket ground. Take great photos at the picturesque Poet’s Bridge and the man-made cascading waterfall. The large playground at the center of the park might appeal to any children in your group.

Walk through the atmospheric fernery, which contains three glass-topped grottos excavated into the hillside. Located below normal ground level, the fernery creates a temperate environment that is well suited to indoor and outdoor plants from around the world.

Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park. Alternatively, get food at one of the kiosks or take a break from the hubbub outside and relax in the teahouse. The Tea House on the Lake is a popular dining spot that has resided next to the main lake since the 1930s.

Get close to the animals of Brooklands Zoo, which is located in the middle of the park. Discover a quaint, family-focused zoo with hours of fun for the whole family and no admission fee. Be sure to check out the Bowl of Brooklands, which is just a short walk from the zoo. This outdoor venue housed in a natural amphitheater regularly attracts national and international acts.

Walk to Pukekura Park from the city center of New Plymouth. It is close to most accommodations and eating options.

Popular places to visit

Bowl of Brooklands featuring a park and a pond

Bowl of Brooklands

Enjoy the great outdoors with a picnic lunch and a bushwalk or watch a live concert at this one-of-a-kind venue set in a beautiful grass amphitheater.

Bowl of Brooklands
Saint Mary\'s Church showing a cemetery, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Saint Mary's Church

Admire a building steeped in reverence and tradition as you visit New Zealand’s oldest standing stone church and walk through its surrounding grounds.

Saint Mary's Church
Brooklands Zoo showing cuddly or friendly animals

Brooklands Zoo

Spend some time at this delightful family-focused zoo, enjoy a picnic lunch in a welcoming setting and learn about animals from around the world.

Brooklands Zoo
Govett-Brewster Art Gallery showing modern architecture, heritage architecture and night scenes

Govett-Brewster Art Gallery

Discover why New Plymouth is one of New Zealand’s cultural capitals. Inspire your own creativity at this award-winning contemporary art gallery.

Govett-Brewster Art Gallery
New Plymouth featuring a bay or harbour and rugged coastline

Coastal Walkway

Follow this extremely scenic promenade from city to sea and make the most of the diverse scenery, playgrounds and swimming beaches along the way.

Coastal Walkway
Puke Ariki featuring modern architecture and night scenes

Puke Ariki

Learn about local history in interactive exhibits, eat award-winning food and find useful visitor information at New Plymouth’s ground-breaking cultural center.

Puke Ariki

Top Pukekura Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Devon Hotel A Heritage Hotel

The Devon Hotel A Heritage Hotel

4 out of 5
390 Devon Street East, New Plymouth
The Devon Hotel A Heritage Hotel
Plymouth International

Plymouth International

4 out of 5
220 Courtenay Street, New Plymouth, Taranaki
Plymouth International
Quest New Plymouth

Quest New Plymouth

4.5 out of 5
21 Currie Street, New Plymouth
Quest New Plymouth
Millennium Hotel New Plymouth, Waterfront

Millennium Hotel New Plymouth, Waterfront

4 out of 5
1 Egmont Street, New Plymouth, Taranaki
Millennium Hotel New Plymouth, Waterfront
Distinction New Plymouth Hotel

Distinction New Plymouth Hotel

3.5 out of 5
42 Powderham Street, New Plymouth
Distinction New Plymouth Hotel
Auto Lodge Motor Inn

Auto Lodge Motor Inn

3 out of 5
393 Devon Street East, New Plymouth
Auto Lodge Motor Inn
Novotel New Plymouth Taranaki

Novotel New Plymouth Taranaki

4.5 out of 5
Cnr Of Hobson And Leach Streets, New Plymouth
Novotel New Plymouth Taranaki
The State Hotel

The State Hotel

4 out of 5
162 Devon Street East, New Plymouth
The State Hotel
King and Queen Hotel Suites

King and Queen Hotel Suites

4 out of 5
Corner of King and Queen Street, New Plymouth, Taranaki
King and Queen Hotel Suites
See all 326 properties in Pukekura Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Pukekura Park

Pukekura Park in New Plymouth offers a range of activities including scenic walking trails and vibrant festivals. It's an ideal getaway for experiencing the local charm, with nearby beaches perfect for relaxation and exploration. Enjoy the natural beauty and cultural events that make this destination a unique part of New Zealand's Taranaki region.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Pukekura Park, visit Centre City Shopping Centre, just 966m away, offering a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, Ringcraft Moana, located 11.3km away, is another excellent option for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Bowl of Brooklands offers an energetic atmosphere with live music, perfect for unwinding. Yarrow Stadium provides a vibrant sports environment for those keen on athletic activities. For a touch of luxury, New Plymouth Golf Club invites you to enjoy stunning greens and a relaxing day on the course.

Adventure

The Coastal Walkway, 1.1km from Pukekura Park, offers a stunning hike with breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventure vibes. For a thrilling snow experience, the Manganui Ski Area, situated 25.7km away, invites you to enjoy skiing and sports. The Huatoki Walkway, only 483m from the park, presents another beautiful hiking opportunity.

Nightlife

In the vibrant nightlife of Pukekura Park, catch a show at TSB Showplace, just 966m away, or marvel at the stars at the Observatory, only 644m from the park. For a cinematic experience, head to Taranaki Electricity Trust Kings Theatre, 35.4km away, blending family and romance vibes.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Pukekura Park

Pukekura Park in New Plymouth, Taranaki, is a delightful spot for tourists seeking culture, entertainment, and family experiences. With attractions like stunning galleries, impressive monuments, and the picturesque park itself, there's plenty to explore. Nearby, you can enjoy the beauty of Oakura Beach and other local highlights, ensuring a memorable visit filled with diverse activities and scenic views.

  • Wind Wand: This stunning 45-metre tall sculpture sways gracefully in the breeze, creating a captivating visual experience. Located 1.1km from Pukekura Park, it embodies the spirit of the region and offers a unique photo opportunity against the backdrop of the Taranaki coastline.
  • Govett-Brewster Art Gallery: Situated 966m from Pukekura Park, this contemporary art gallery showcases innovative works and thought-provoking exhibitions. It's a hub for culture enthusiasts, featuring both local and international artists, making it a must-visit for art lovers.
  • Puke Ariki: Just 1.1km away, this museum combines history and culture, providing insights into Taranaki's heritage. With interactive displays and a comprehensive collection, it's an engaging destination for visitors keen to learn about the region's past.

Best time to go to Pukekura Park

The best time to visit Pukekura Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Pukekura Park falls in February, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Pukekura Park falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
February64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April59.5°F (15.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May56.1°F (13.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
June52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
July50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
September52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
October55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December61.9°F (16.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Pukekura Park

To save money on your trip to Pukekura Park, consider visiting in the off-peak months of May and August to September, when accommodation prices drop. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to filter your search for budget-friendly options, including eco-certified hotels. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal for further savings. Additionally, explore the park on foot to enjoy free activities while soaking in the beautiful surroundings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Pukekura Park are May and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Pukekura Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Pukekura Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to choose your budget, preferred location, and other preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at Pukekura Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.