Pukekura Park is the jewel in New Plymouth’s crown, covering 52ha (128 acres) right in the heart of the city. It is one of New Zealand’s premier botanical gardens and hosts regular events.  A Garden of National Significance, it has an international Green Flag award. 

First opened in 1876, the park was once swamp land. Today it includes two lakes (one with wooden rowboats for hire) a children’s playground, cricket ground, fernery and display houses, kiosk, fountain and waterfall, historic band rotunda and an entertainment venue.

The Bowl of Brooklands, which hosts national and international acts regularly, is a natural amphitheatre at the edge of a lake. At night audiences enjoy an amazing light show, because the water of the lake reflects whatever is happening on stage. Next to the Bowl are beautiful English-style gardens and a children’s zoo.

Every summer Pukekura Park hosts the spectacular Festival of Lights. From December to February, hundreds of lighting displays turn the park into a huge, illuminated fantasyland.