Pukeiti
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Explore a wonderland of rhododendrons planted within 360 hectares of rainforest, located between Mount Taranaki and the coast, just south of New Plymouth. Established in 1951, Pukeiti is an internationally recognised garden with one of the most diverse collections of rhododendrons on display anywhere in the world. Take a short garden walk or a more challenging adventure and with either, sense another world and time. Feel the spiritual significance of Pukeiti to local tangata whenua and learn some of the language, knowledge and stories which are part of the land. Find out about pioneering Europeans, passionate plant-collectors and garden-makers. Discover the property whilst doing a fun activity or make use of the facilities for a private or community event. Pukeiti is owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region. Share Pukeiti – a truly unique part of Taranaki’s heritage.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Michelle I1 contributionAbsolute garden paradiseAbsolutely delightful. Visitors from Auckland and such a special place to visit, have a lovely lunch and wander the beautiful gardens. Incredibly lucky to live so close to paradise. Thank you TRC for such an amazing job of looking after itThank you very much for your lovely review and rating, Michelle. You are very welcome - thank you for helping spread the word about this special place.Written 21 February 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 5 January 2024
- Fiona EColchester, United Kingdom169 contributionsStill nice to visit in JanuaryThis is a beautiful garden which must be stunning in November. We visited in January when we were virtually the only visitors. Being a garden designer /plantsman myself I would have liked just a few more plant labels on shrubs other than the rhododendrons. I would also have liked to see the planting extended to provide more interest through the summer after the rhododendrons have finished The cafe was adequateThanks very much for your feedback Fiona - yes, more plant labels and greater plant variety are both works in progress.Written 21 February 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 January 2024
- Karen M79 contributionsBeautiful settingAfter a pleasant drive through rainforest at the foot of Taranaki Maunga (mountain), you arrive at Pukeiti Gardens. What a beautiful spot to spend a couple of hours taking gentle walks around the rhododendrons (just the start of the season so not in full bloom yet). Worth a visit. The food at the cafe was a bit meh!Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
339 reviews
Excellent
242
Very good
79
Average
10
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Rachael B
New Plymouth, New Zealand12 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
I love this garden. We live about 20 minutes away so go there a lot. Yes spring is beautiful but really it's great all year round. Families should pick up a treehouse trail booklet from the cafe and do the trail. It will take about 2 hours and kids will love it. The trail doesn't include the Kelliher garden, but do go there because it's beautiful.
There's now a fitness trail too great for outdoor excercise. Of you want to push yourselves them the tramping tracks are great too, but take good shoes if it's been raining. I haven't eaten at cafe but the coffee I had there was great.
You can stay there too with a motel unit on the lodge and a camping hut up in the bush.
There's now a fitness trail too great for outdoor excercise. Of you want to push yourselves them the tramping tracks are great too, but take good shoes if it's been raining. I haven't eaten at cafe but the coffee I had there was great.
You can stay there too with a motel unit on the lodge and a camping hut up in the bush.
Written 5 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your in depth review, Rachael. It's always great to hear from our regular visitors who so appreciate how special Pukeiti is at any time of the year. For those interested in staying at Pukeit, the Studio (accommodation in the Lodge) and the Piwakawaka Family Hut can both be booked by going to the accommodation tab on the Pukeiti website.
Written 5 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ChristchurchStewarts
Christchurch, New Zealand330 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Giant rhododendrons at home with great New Zealand specimen trees are a wonderful sight and the Pukeiti experience should not be missed. The area is beautifully laid out and a good pamphlet is a available to help you choose your preferred path. The amenities are great and well maintained. Further areas are being developed and we wish Taranaki Regional. Council all the best with their plans here. This visit was free which is remarkable. The standard of care and presentation could not be faulted. Highly recommend
Written 10 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your great review and rating. It sounds like you had a wonderful visit. We hope you get to visit again one day.
Written 30 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marlaina C
New Plymouth, New Zealand2,943 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
Pukeiti has so many interesting walks to choose from. I did the Rhododendron walk. If you don’t like inclines then this isn’t the walk for you. There are quite a few inclines but the good news is when you go up the only way back is?There you go, you’ve got it down. This time of the year,obviously some of the flowers are not in bloom. However the plants themselves alone are beautiful and exquisitely colourful, as the sun poetically hits the trees, dancing and bouncing off these glorious various and vast plant life. this is fantastic walk based in Taranaki and it’s so easy too get to. The drive up is beautiful and I will definitely encourage you to go because there’s so many different walks.You can do your walk your way, run, jog slow walk whatever and however you want to do it. In groups, duo’s or solo. Everybody can go up and have a really nice walk. Different paths some lengths marked others not. Lots of mocks and crannies to either rest or just take in nature which will be surrounding you. The sign post don’t lead you back to coffee shop so make sure you log your way. A massive tick is at the end of it all you get refreshments at the cafe, Cafe opens at 10am and shuts at 4pm. I highly recommend x10
Written 7 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review. Glad to hear you enjoyed your visit to Pukeiti.
Written 12 July 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TheBismarck
Christchurch, New Zealand71 contributions
Oct 2021
This is an outstanding garden hidden away about 30 mins drive from the city. It's incredibly large, and focussed on rhododendrons and so most of the colour is to be seen in the late Sept-Nov time. Best of all, these are free to visit.
Written 11 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks very much for your great review and rating. Yes, September to November is the peak of the rhododendron flowering but there are always flowers to see at Pukeiti. Perennials and hydrangeas in the summer and rhododendrons throughout the second half of the year.
Written 18 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
janicemstaines
4 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
This is undoubtedly a gorgeous garden and a very smart well designed courtyard cafe. The food however is awful. Avoid.
Most people were eating a scone or cake with tea when we were there at 12.30 so maybe they knew.
Vege quiche easily the worst meal ever.
Most people were eating a scone or cake with tea when we were there at 12.30 so maybe they knew.
Vege quiche easily the worst meal ever.
Written 10 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback. We’re really sorry to hear you were unimpressed with the food at the café. Your comments have been passed on and they will be kept in mind when making changes to the menu but most people are really happy with the quality of the food on offer.
Written 30 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
chrisandbarbara
Dunedin, New Zealand152 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Beautifully laid out and signed pathways through giant rhododendrons and 800 year old Rata tree. A 30 minute drive from the city along gorgeous roads against backdrop of Mt Taranaki. We started with a brunch at fabulous on site cafe/restaurant sitting outside overlooking gardens. Wire sculptures of dragonfly, moas and eagle are superb. Obviously a must when flowers in bloom but every season offers something different. A delight.
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks very much Chris and Barbara, for you lovely review of Pukeiti. It sounds like you had a fantastic time here.
Written 2 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fiona E
Colchester, UK169 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
This is a beautiful garden which must be stunning in November. We visited in January when we were virtually the only visitors. Being a garden designer /plantsman myself I would have liked just a few more plant labels on shrubs other than the rhododendrons. I would also have liked to see the planting extended to provide more interest through the summer after the rhododendrons have finished
The cafe was adequate
The cafe was adequate
Written 22 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks very much for your feedback Fiona - yes, more plant labels and greater plant variety are both works in progress.
Written 21 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michalo416
Hawera, New Zealand64 contributions
May 2020 • Couples
We made the trip here for Mother’s Day during Covid19 level 3 as the website said it was now open during this time and there was wheelchair access. It was a logistical exercise getting mum there but we were looking forward making her first trip outside her house in 6 weeks happen, only to find we could’nt find any way to get into the gardens for wheelchair or mobility scooters. The only way in was down a huge set of stairs beside the cafe. Why couldn’t one side of the black gates at the roadside be left open?
Written 9 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your feedback Kareena, we are extremely sorry that this happened. It was a difficult and busy time, getting the gardens prepared for visitors again and complying with all the regulations by closing off the narrow pathways, which included the normal wheelchair access. Unfortunately that weekend, due to a miscommunication, the gates were not opened to allow an alternative entry for wheelchairs into the garden. It's a pity that you were unable to find a staff member to help as the gates would certainly have been opened for you if we had realised. All the paths are now open again and wheelchair access into the garden is along the top of the covered Vireya Walk. We hope you are able to bring your mum again sometime soon and please do ask a staff member if you have any problems.
Written 7 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
emileee83
Lower Brailes, UK810 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Can’t believe this place is free it’s absolutely stunning.
All really well laid out and signposted. The breadth of things to see on offer is incredible. Everything is so beautifully tended to and well looked after. The hydrangeas are beautiful and all ferns are fantastic. Such an amazing selection of colours and specimens to view. Would have loved to come when the rhododendrons were out. Apparently these are a must see.
Fantastic little gift shop and cafe at the end. Would definitely recommend visiting if you’re in the area and need to walk off a good lunch or something.
All really well laid out and signposted. The breadth of things to see on offer is incredible. Everything is so beautifully tended to and well looked after. The hydrangeas are beautiful and all ferns are fantastic. Such an amazing selection of colours and specimens to view. Would have loved to come when the rhododendrons were out. Apparently these are a must see.
Fantastic little gift shop and cafe at the end. Would definitely recommend visiting if you’re in the area and need to walk off a good lunch or something.
Written 24 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks very much for your great review. Yes, Pukeiti is stunning at any time of the year but if you ever get a chance to come back in the spring, do take it. The rhododendrons are truly beautiful.
Written 26 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
wmjowett
Christchurch, New Zealand61 contributions
Dec 2020
Since visiting these gardens 5 years ago they have done some major upgrades to the cafe and entrance way. The gardens are laid out beautifully and have some wonderful specimens throughout. We did the Valley of the Giants walk and were just amazed at the trees we passed. Well worth the narrow and windy but very scenic drive out there. And the big bonus, is that it is free to walk around. You could easily spend several hours there. And for us, a future trip when all the rhodos are out is a must. Well done to all the gardeners and staff who look after this park.
Written 31 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks very much for your review and rating. That's great to hear how much you appreciated all the changes and hard work that has gone into Pukeiti since your last visit. We hope you get a chance to visit again in the spring. October and November are the best months to visit for the rhodos but you'll find stunning flowers anytime from late July until mid December.
Written 19 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Will the cafe be open on Sunday 16 September
Written 27 August 2018
Hello yes it will. It reopens to the public on the 1st September. You may book it for private functions during the closed winter period. I hope this helps.
Written 27 August 2018
rhonacanastra
Hamilton, New Zealand
When is the best time to go that all the flowers are blooming?
Written 7 May 2018
Hi, the garden is known for its rhododendron collection. You will find rhodo flowers throughout the second half of the year. The big-leafs start in late July and some rhodos are usually still flowering at Christmas. The very best months are October and November. You will find some flowers throughout the year as we have many other kinds of plants too.
Written 6 June 2018
dockeryjo
Hawera, New Zealand
You have maroon for hire how much and do you have catering menu as well
Written 5 November 2017
We have a function room called the Rata Room in the Rainforest Centre. In September 2018 the newly rebuilt Lodge will be opening too which will also be available for functions. Catering is usually done by Founders Café but other options are available. Check out the booking form on the Taranaki Regional Council website for prices and availability or phone 0800 736 222 during normal office hours.
Written 21 June 2018
One of the reviews mentioned that the paths are steep. Are there any easier walks suitable for my elderly in-laws?
Written 20 April 2017
Yes, Pukeiti has a range of walks suitable for all abilities. The property covers 360ha and does include some steep areas including Pukeiti hill which has great views from the summit. However, the area near the carpark and buildings is fairly flat and there are wheelchair accessible pathways from the carpark down to a lookout to the waterwheel. This goes through the Vireya Walk where there are nearly always lovely flowers.
Written 21 June 2018
Would very early October be disappointin as far as seeing most rododendrons flowering?
Written 19 August 2015
In early October you will see the end of the big-leafs, plenty of azaleas and some other rhodos. There will be a lot in bud, which may make you feel as though you're too early but there is no time when you can see everything. Anytime in October or November is very good.
Written 6 June 2018
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