Pukekura Park: New Plymouth’s green heart of gardens, lakes and light-filled nights

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Why do people go to Pukekura Park?

Set in the heart of New Plymouth, Pukekura Park is widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s premier botanical parks, and it earns that praise the moment you step inside. It is both a Garden of National Significance and a Green Flag award winner, which signals outstanding horticulture, thoughtful design and excellent visitor experience. Visitors come for easy lakeside walks, heritage features such as The Teahouse and Poet’s Bridge, the dramatic Fernery & Display Houses, and the adjacent Bowl of Brooklands amphitheatre and Brooklands Zoo. In summer, the park becomes the illuminated backdrop for the TSB Festival of Lights, one of New Zealand’s best-known free light festivals.

Pukekura’s paths are level and well signposted, making it ideal for families and relaxed strolls. A downloadable official park map highlights entrances, points of interest and facilities so you can plan an efficient loop if you’re on a road trip schedule.

What to do at Pukekura Park

Start at the main lake. Early in the day the water is glassy, reflecting elegant trees and footbridges that curve between shores. In summer, hire a rowboat and glide past ducks and lilies, then wander toward the smaller lake to find the waterfall tumbling over rocks into cool shade.
The park’s fountain is a favourite photo stop, as is the historic band rotunda that peeks through the foliage on sunny afternoons.
Make time for the Fernery and Display Houses. Built into the hillside, three interconnected glass-roofed chambers shelter ferns and vibrant tropical and temperate displays that thrive in warm, humid air.
The Brooklands Zoo is free to enter and features charismatic creatures like meerkats and monkeys, alongside colourful birds and reptiles. It is easy to split your day between gardens, animals and a lakeside treat from the Teahouse, with plenty of shaded benches and picnic spots along the way.

How much does it cost to visit?

Entry to Pukekura Park is free. The TSB Festival of Lights is also a free public event, though some on-site food and activities may be paid. Always check the current festival dates before planning.

How long should I spend at Pukekura Park?

Allow at least 1.5-2 hours for a highlights circuit taking in the Main Lake, Poet’s Bridge, Water Wheel, Tea House and a wander through the Fernery precinct. If you’re travelling with children, add another 1-1.5 hours to include Brooklands Zoo and the nearby playgrounds. On festival evenings (late December to late January most years), allow 2–3 hours to experience the TSB Festival of Lights installations and live entertainment..

How to get to Pukekura Park

Pukekura Park sits right in central New Plymouth, so it is a straightforward stop on any Taranaki itinerary.

From the CBD: The main gate on Fillis Street is roughly a 10-minute walk for many central starting points, though times vary depending on where you begin. There are multiple entrances through Fillis Street, Rogan Street, Victoria Road and Gilbert Street.

The TSB Showplace and New Plymouth Raceway sit nearby and make useful reference points.

Best time to visit Pukekura Park

Pukekura Park is open year-round and works in all seasons: spring for fresh bloom, summer for long golden evenings and festival nights, autumn for colour around the lakes, and winter for quiet paths and fernery displays under cover. The TSB Festival of Lights typically runs for five to six weeks over summer (late December to late January).

Time of day: Each time of day has its strengths when it comes to Pukekura Park. Mornings bring gentle light for photography across the lakes and bridges, while late afternoon adds warm side light on trees and reflections. After dark, especially during the festival, the illuminated installations and performances make for an enjoyable evening.

Weather in Pukekura Park

New Plymouth enjoys a mild coastal climate, but conditions can change quickly. Expect a mix of sunny spells and passing showers in any season. Pack layers so you can adjust as the day warms or cools, bring a light rain jacket and consider sunscreen and a hat for long garden wanderings.

Best place to park your campervan at Pukekura Park

Adjacent streets: The council website has a list of free street parking around the park’s entrances; these are good for short daytime visits in smaller campervans. Check local signs for time limits.
CBD car parks for larger vehicles: Use Puke Ariki North Car Park (access from St Aubyn Street), which has campervan parking and charges $3/hour Monday to Saturday, 9:00–17:00 (Sundays free). From here, it’s a pleasant 10–15 minute walk through the CBD to the park. Other council lots (Egmont, Wind Wand) follow similar tariffs.
Overnighting: There is no camping or overnight parking in Pukekura Park. If you’re staying in New Plymouth, follow the Freedom Camping Bylaw (2024) map for permitted locations across the district.

FAQs and quick answers

Is there a Pukekura Park map?
Yes, there is - you can download the official map for guidance on entrances, bridges, lakes, the Tea House, Fernery, Hatchery Lawn and more.
What is the TSB Festival of Lights?
A free, multi-week summer festival of illuminated artworks and live entertainment staged across Pukekura Park, usually running between December and January. There’s also a smaller winter pop-up during the Matariki long weekend. Check the official website for more information on dates.
What can families do near Pukekura Park?
Brooklands Zoo sits within the wider Brooklands estate by the park; admission is free, and there is parking nearby.
How big is Pukekura Park?
The park covers 52 hectares (128 acres).