PARKS AND GARDENS
Free Copy
or download at www.visit.taranaki.info 8th Edition
Ahititi
Okau
Contents
Pukearuhe
Welcome, haere mai
3
M im
iR
i
ai t W
ve Ur r Taranaki has been known as ‘the Garden of New Zealand’ since en ui Ri ve pioneering times, a reflection of the region’s rich volcanic soil, Motunui encouraging environment and passionate gardeners. Waitara Onaero Urenui Bell Block Brixton From the edges of Mount Taranaki to the sparkling Tikorangi surf coast, you’ll find countless parks and gardens New Plymouth Ta to explore and enjoy. From expansive public pu 5 Lepperton ae 3 7 19Hillsborough 1 St re gardens to picturesque parks, picture-perfect am 3A 8 20 2 3 private gardens to fantastic garden festivals, 4 Taranaki offers it all. This guide Ōākura Hurworth Waitui assembles many of the best Koro H45Y Egmont Village Tarata and offers just a start point Stony Rive Te Henui Kaimata Up Tataraimaka r Inglewood pe Korito rP to begin a Taranaki garden Ōkato ito ne 6 reet Kaimiro Ro Puniho t ad experience like no other. or Ratapiko d nS P
NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT
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outh Plym
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Parihaka Road
Rahotu
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Rowan Makaka
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Te Kiri
Taungatara
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Pihama URF
IGHWA H45 Y
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Tuna Midhirst
Riverlea
Auroa
Oeo
Kapuni
Otakeho u i Str e
Wharehuia
Eltham Road
Douglas
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Toko
Ngaere
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Lake Rotokare
Matapu
Manaia 22
am
g Wain
Inaha
Te Roti
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ng or
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Lake Rotorangi
Normanby 23 Tokaora
Hawera
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Mokoia
a Tang
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Manutahi
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Kakaramea
Cover image credit: Rob Tucker
e ka Wair
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Rotokare / Barrett Domain
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Marsland Hill
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Matekai Park
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Te Henui Cemetery
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Pukeiti
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Pukekura Park and Brooklands
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Tūpare
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STRATFORD DISTRICT 9
Thomson Arboretum
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King Edward Park
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Prospero Place
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Victoria Park
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Windsor Park
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SOUTH TARANAKI DISTRICT 14
Goodson Dell
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Hollard Gardens
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King Edward Park
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Naumai Park
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Stark and Bridger Parks
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Str e
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Patea
Whenuakura River
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Te Kainga Marire
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Nikau Grove
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Hofmans Garden
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Oakley Garden
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Puketarata Garden
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Key
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ive oe R
Audrey Gale Reserve
PRIVATE GARDENS OF SIGNIFICANCE
21 18 Eltham
Okaiawa
Kaupokonui on Kau p o k
Mahoe Finnerty Road
Skeet Road
Mangawhero
Pembroke
Mangatoki
Strathmore
Te Popo
10 Stratford 129 11 13 Cardiff
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Kaponga
iR oa Roa d
Pa tik
ver Waiaua Ri
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oa ake R
Eltham Road
Awatuna
Ōpunake
Ōpun
Road
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Auroa Road
t r e am
Oaonui hata aw
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O ao nui S
Pem broke Road
iki Road Ngar
S t r e am
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Te Wera
Huiroa
Kupe
East Egmont Dawson Falls
Ro ad
nu a O t uwh e
rre Su
Taranaki Maunga
Manaia
r e S tr e am
North Egmont
a Road nai Ma
P ungae r e e
Wiremu Road
Pungarehu
Tariki oa
Tumahu
Newall Waitata Stream
Du rha m
Egmont National Park
Hasting Road
Warea
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to ng rri
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Pohokura
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Ro ad
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Ro a
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Warea R
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Map Reference
Up
l a nd
Okoki
page
Waverley
Parking
Park entrance/exit
Lookout
Path
Picnic area
Stream
BBQ area
Shelter
Playground
Swimming area
Wheelchair access
Dog exercising
i-SITE
Dogs on leash
No camping
Horse riding area
No golf
Toilets
No motorbikes
Waitotara
New Plymouth District New Plymouth offers a lively cosmopolitan base for exploring the many galleries and museums of North Taranaki. New Plymouth sits alongside the Tasman Sea and has Taranaki Maunga at its back. The city and its surrounding district has a vibrant café and cultural scene, extensive events calendar and fantastic parks and gardens.
Location: 257 Mangorei Road, New Plymouth Open: 7am–8.30pm
Once known as the Old Waterworks Reserve, the name was changed in 1989 in recognition of Audrey Gale, a longstanding councillor and active community member. A commemorative bronze plaque at the park entrance outlines Mrs Gale’s outstanding career. Signs of the old waterworks can still be found in the far-east corner of the park. When first commissioned in 1883, the works serviced the fast-growing town of New Plymouth. Access to the Waiwhakaiho River provides safe swimming, rock jumping and paddling,
while two barbecue areas are ideal for picnics. There is a dog exercising area, and a horse riding area on the right side of the reserve. The park has many shaded areas through native bush and introduced planting, usually teeming with bird life, and offers a 9-hole flying disc/Frisbee golf course. Two wood-fired BBQs are available – bring your own wood. The Waiwhakaiho River, which borders the park, has its source on Taranaki Maunga and is highly valued for its aesthetic, ecological and recreational values. It is particularly important for the native fish and trout habitat.
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Connecting the many attractions is a network of walking and cycling trails, the most prominent of which is the city’s 13km Coastal Walkway. The walkway and the city’s museums and galleries have undoubtedly contributed to New Plymouth’s transformation in recent years.
Audrey Gale Reserve
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Street art by Owen Dippies.
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New Plymouth i-SITE Visitor Centre Puke Ariki, 65 St Aubyn Street, New Plymouth Phone: (06) 759 0897 or 0800 639 759 Email: info@newplymouth.govt.nz
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NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT
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New Plymouth District
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Rotokare / Barrett Domain Location: Roto Street, New Plymouth Open: all hours
This is a circular walk in a 36ha blend of open spaces, plantations, bush and a wetland area (Barrett Lagoon). The domain is also a wildlife refuge. Explore an abundance of native bird life, wetland and lake habitats and indigenous vegetation in this urban oasis. There are three different tracks you can walk in Barrett Domain. Cowling Plantation Walk (10 mins) As you enter the domain from Roto St. walk about 200m down a gravel track; the start of this walk is on your right. There is a cemented stone seat, which on 17 February 1966 was unveiled as a memorial to Mr Fred Cowling. The majestic kauri trees he planted are now more than 50 years old and provide a tranquil area in which to walk. This track continues to Alba St. and exits the domain, or you can instead cross the bridge and walk through the trees until you come to a grassed area. At this point you can continue on to the Rayward Bush Walk or return to the main track. Rayward Bush Walk (20 mins) This short bush walk begins from the main entrance off Roto St. Walk down the gravel track past the Cowling Plantation sign until
you come to the Rayward Bush Walk sign on your right.
At the T junction you can either go down to a small gully the stream has carved out (note this is a dead-end track), or continue up the hill to your right towards the lagoon.
Walk over a grassed area, keeping the small pond on your left. Follow a grassed track up a small hill and enter the bush near the top of the sign. This area has regenerating forest plants, which include tawa and kohekohe.
Points Of Interest
On exiting the bush you will find yourself in an open grassed area. From here you can continue on your right towards the lagoon or return to the main entrance. To get to the main track walk across the paddock towards the entrance to the lagoon and then follow the track around to the left towards a gate. Lagoon Bush Walk (30 mins) This walk can be entered via the Davies Rd. entrance or from the main entrance off Roto St. From Roto St. continue down the gravel track until you come to an open grassed area. To your left is the beginning of the Lagoon Bush Walk. This walk follows the Mangaotuku Stream, which runs through the domain. After reaching the bridge follow the lower track that runs alongside the stream. About 500m along you will come to a T junction.
1 Kororako Pā site
3 Mangaotuku Stream Gully
2 Sir Victor Davies Memorial Planting
4 Riding For The Disabled
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www.visit.taranaki.info
Main Track
Rotokare Crescent Entrance
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Lagoon Bush Walk Rayward Bush Walk Cowling Plantation Walk
Kororako Pā Site Rotokare/ Barrett Lagoon
Other Tracks Dogs Prohibited Lagoon, pond and wetland areas
Pipitea Place
Dogs on Leash
Viewing Deck & Picnic Area
Barrett Lagoon Viewing Point
Rayward Bush
Manuka Place
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Mangaotuku Stream Gully
Sir Victor Davies Memorial Planting Lagoon Bush
Aspen Place Pond Map & Picnic Area
Cowling Plantation Memorial Seat
Alba Street Entrance
4 Riding For The Disabled area be aware of horses
Redwood Crescent
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At the top of the hill are three tracks. The track on your right will take you to the Rayward Bush Walk. The other two tracks will take you to Barrett Lagoon.
Roto Street Entrance
Davies Road Entrance
NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT
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New Plymouth District
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Marsland Hill Location: 51 Robe Street, New Plymouth Open: all hours
First settled in the 1730s by the Nga-Potiki-taua hapu of the Taranaki iwi, Marsland Hill was originally known as Pukaka Pā. Since then, the strategic position of the hill has seen it have many uses and today it is a popular, accessible and scenic recreational reserve. Designated a cemetery from 1841 to 1842, burials at Marsland Hill included Charles Armitage Brown (6) whose memorial is located on the slope behind the Cathedral Church of St Mary, after being rediscovered by local historians in 1921 following an extensive search. The cemetery was officially closed in 1908. In 1855, the top of the hill was levelled, reducing its height by some 12 metres to create the headquarters for the imperial regiments stationed in Taranaki. Between 1874 and 1880, the barracks provided temporary accommodation for newly arrived settlers, and in 1891 the remaining section was relocated to Taranaki Maunga as tourist accommodation, where it is now known as The Camphouse.
4 South African War Memorial
2 Carillon
5 The Observatory
3 New Zealand Wars Monument
6 Charles Armitage Brown Grave
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A 37 bell Carillon (2) donated by George Kibby in memory of his late wife Mable was installed in 1971. It received a major refurbishment in early 2014. Together the brass bells weigh over four tonne and play daily at 10am, 11am, noon, 2pm, 4pm and 5pm.
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The surrounding reserve has grown over the decades to now encompass 3.78 hectares, which were declared a historic reserve in 1987. The reserve has many recreational uses and with its great views over the city is a popular picnic, heritage and lunchtime running destination.
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TARANAKI CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF ST MARY
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The Observatory (5) was opened in 1920, following the formation of a local Astronomical Society. The building has expanded from the original 1920 dome with additions in 1936 and extensions for a second telescope in the 1970s.
Points Of Interest
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In 1909, Governor General Lord Plunket unveiled the New Zealand Wars Monument (3), and the South African War Memorial (4) followed in 1911, unveiled by
Governor General Lord Islington in memory of the Taranaki men who fell in the AngloBoer War.
NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT
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Matekai Park
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Location: 19 McKellar Street, Ōākura
Location: Cnr Lemon Street and Watson Street, New Plymouth
Open: all hours
Matekai Park was established in 1980 with subsequent land being purchased to create a 6.5 hectare area that is a popular link between Ōākura’s shopping village and the beach. The park provides opportunities for walking in bush-like settings, and with its large wetland area and natural open spaces, it gives good views of manu/birds and other wildlife. A perimeter track is supplemented by three grass paths with rustic bridges that cross the wetland between the upper and lower tracks. A number of clearings and seats have been established to make the most of the views and landscape.
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www.visit.taranaki.info
Te Henui Cemetery
Open: all hours Matekai Park boasts a wide range of tree species, including puriri, karaka, tītoki, pukatea, rewarewa, kahikatea, rimu, cabbage tree, māpou, lemonwood and kōwhai. The wetland has been identified as an area of national importance by the Department of Conservation and consists of raupō, flax and carex, creating a habitat for a number of rare bird species. Over recent decades Matekai Park has been the focus of an ongoing planting programme, which has centred on reestablishing native and introduced trees, which now attract bird life to the reserve.
One of New Plymouth’s hidden gems, Te Henui Cemetery covers approximately 24 acres and boasts an eclectic mix of plantings designed to provide a year-round display. Pōhutukawa, cherry blossom and crabapple trees enhance the city’s oldest public cemetery (opened in 1861), and beds of flowers provide colour and vibrancy, attracting native birds and providing a home base for the spectacular Monarch butterfly.
The cemetery is lovingly tended by dedicated volunteer gardeners and New Plymouth District Council's parks staff, and is an inner-city sanctuary with a magic that is unlike anywhere else. With a fivestar attraction rating on TripAdvisor, and featuring in national magazines such as NZ Life & Leisure and NZ Gardener while also appearing in the Taranaki Garden Festival, this tranquil garden steeped in local history is a must to explore and enjoy.
The Matekai Park loop track can be used to walk dogs without a lead and at the upper end of the reserve is a large area of open space used for horse riding activities, with a large parking area.
NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT
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New Plymouth District
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Pukeiti Jane Dove Juneau
Location: 2290 Carrington Road, New Plymouth Open: all hours Pukeiti is open all day, every day and entry is free. It’s owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council. Over seven decades, Pukeiti has built up one of the world’s biggest and most diverse collections of rhododendrons and other exotics, their rich colours bursting into life against a backdrop of lush native rainforest. The 360ha property also boasts a great range of free, family-orientated activities and walking tracks for all fitness levels.
Rainforest Centre and Lodge Garden
Goudie Walk
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The Valley Of The Giants
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Valley of the Giants Walk (50 min)
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Legend Rhododendron Collection
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Summit Track 45 minutes to lookout
Rainforest
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The modern Rainforest Eatery has stunning views over the garden and serves delicious lunches, snacks and coffee. Open 10am–4pm, the opening days vary with the season. October to February, it’s open every day, March to May, open Wed–Sun and June to September, opening days are Fri, Sat and Sun. It’s also open all public holidays except Christmas Day.
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Swing bridge
Pukeiti’s giants awaken in July. The enormous flower trusses of the large-leaf rhododendrons along The Valley of the Giants Walk contrast with the rainforest foliage. By October, the Rhododendron Stroll is aglow with hundreds of vibrant and gorgeous flowers. Explore the secret Misty Knoll and visit the Keiller Garden to get inspired to grow rhododendrons at your place. The Rainforest Centre and Vireya Walk give visitors the chance to enjoy and learn, whatever the weather, with a state-of-the-art visitor centre, a huge display of vireya rhododendrons and a treetop lookout overlooking Pukeiti’s famed waterwheel. Families can pick up a Treehouse Trail bag and enjoy kidfocused activities as they explore.
Te Iringa Track To Richardson Walk 1 hour
Graham Smith Walk
For further information go to www.pukeiti.nz
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Keiller Garden
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NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT
Taranaki
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New Plymouth District
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Pukekura Park and Brooklands Location: 10 Fillis Street, New Plymouth Open: 7.30am–7pm and until 8pm during daylight savings
Pukekura Park is a world-renowned park located in the heart of New Plymouth city. Beginning its life as a barren and swampy valley, it has been shaped into one of the best inner-city parks in New Zealand and is the backdrop for the annual TSB Festival of Lights – a free spectacular event held from mid-December to late January. The park covers approximately 52ha and contains a diverse range of landscapes, including many plant collections, exotic specimen trees, formal gardens, lakes and walking trails through native bush. To mark the opening of the park in 1876 an oak for Great Britain, a puriri for New Zealand, a Norfolk Island pine for the South Pacific islands and a Monterey pine for America were planted on Cannon Hill (14). The park includes the Fernery and Display Houses (19) and is open 8.30am–4pm daily, except Christmas Day. The facility is recognised internationally by horticulturalists for its house design, propagation expertise and consistently high-quality plant displays.
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www.visit.taranaki.info
The garden estate area of Brooklands is the home to the acclaimed TSB Bowl of Brooklands (44), one of the country’s foremost open-air venues. In February 1958 the natural outdoor amphitheater opened with the first Festival of the Pines event and has since been the venue for many iconic musicians including Paul Simon, Sting, Jack Johnson, Cat Stevens and Elton John. A highlight of a visit to the park is Brooklands Zoo (32), a free, familyfocused zoo featuring a modern aviary with tropical manu/birds, a mini farmyard full of playful animals, a close-up view of swimming and sunbathing otters, enclosures of cheeky monkeys whose antics will amuse, and other exotic animals. A children’s playground sits at the centre of the zoo, complete with a picnic area. The zoo is open 9am–5pm daily, except Christmas Day. The park’s Sports Ground (2), which was a major location for the Tom Cruise movie The Last Samurai, regularly hosts matches between regional teams competing in cricket and football. The grassed terraces provide a bird’s-eye view of the ground. Cricket publishers, Wisden, named Pukekura Park one of the six best grounds in the world to watch cricket.
Relax by the Main Lake and Band Rotunda (12) where you can enjoy refreshments with views of the iconic Wisteria Pergola at the recently refurbished Teahouse on the Lake (16), open 9am–4pm daily, except Christmas Day.
includes the Mishima Gate, a traditional red Japanese torii gate, officially opened by Mishima City Council Chairman Mr Hajime Shimura and Deputy Mayor Peter Tennent to mark the sister city’s 10th anniversary in 2001.
The use of water is a common theme throughout the park including Fountain Lake (5). The fountain was installed in 1954 to mark the visit of Queen Elizabeth II, the year before. It has 14 spray combinations with its main jet reaching 15 metres. Nearby is the man-made 10-metre high Waterfall (11). The popular Poet’s Bridge (24) paid for by the generosity of Park Board member J.T. Davis from winnings on a horse called The Poet, crosses the Main Lake, and the upper lake can be crossed by the Boat Shed Bridge (25).
Pukekura Park is also home to The Gables (31) – the oldest hospital still standing in New Zealand. Erected in 1848 on the current site of New Plymouth Girls’ High School, the hospital was built on the instructions of Governor Sir George Grey to provide integrated care for Māori and Europeans. In 1904, The Gables was purchased by Mary King, wife of Newton King, and relocated to its present site.
Two gardens were installed to celebrate the sister city relationships that the New Plymouth District Council has with Mishima (Japan) and Kunming (China). Kunming Garden (30) is a traditional Chinese garden created by Chinese craftsmen and local landscapers, featuring a moongate entrance and pavilion connected by a meandering pathway. The Japanese Hillside (6), designed and planted to reflect a typical Japanese hillside forest,
The 2000 Year Old Puriri Tree (36), the largest of its species in New Zealand, sits south of the park and is easy to find, as is the historic giant Ginkgo Tree (39) tree located down in the valley, slightly northeast of the puriri. Other popular attractions include Monument Hill (27), and the Chinese Plant Collection (38) as well as the Rhododendron Dell (47), which is fringed by an impressive mixed grove of tōtara, rimu and kōwhai.
NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT
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New Plymouth District
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C O R O N AT I O N A V E N U E S H 3
CO MARANUI STREET
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Dogs not permitted in the playgrounds, zoo and fernery
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From New Plymouth City Centre
SCOUT DEN
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BROOKLANDS ROAD
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Park Entry / Exit Gates 1 Main Gate, Fillis St
2 Rogan St
3 Mason Dr
6 Shortland St
7 Victoria Rd
8 Gilbert St
9 Fillis St
4 Kaimata St
5 Newton King Memorial Gate, Brooklands Dr
Points of Interest 1 Main Gate, Sanders Memorial
7 Water Wheel
13 Jubilee Drinking Fountain
19 Fernery and Display Houses
25 Boat Shed Bridge
31 The Gables
37 Upper Maranui Gully
43 Pinetum
2 Sports Ground
8 Palm Lawn
14 Cannon Hill
20 King Fern Gully
26 Upper Lake
32 Brooklands Zoo
38 Chinese Plant Collection
44 Bowl of Brooklands
3 Practice Cricket Wicket
9 Hatchery Lawn
15 Sunken Dell
21 Band Room Lawn
27 Monument Hill
33 Brooklands Chimney
39 Ginkgo Tree
45 Brooklands Stage
4 Bellringer Pavilion
10 Main Lake
16 Teahouse on the Lake
22 Stainton Dell
28 Goodwin Dell
34 Brooklands Lawn
40 Lower Maranui Gully
46 Aotearoa Sculpture
5 Fountain Lake
11 Waterfall
17 Fred Parker Lawn
23 Eastern Hillside
29 Kauri Grove
35 Ambush Gully
41 Scanlan Lookout
47 Rhododendron Dell
6 Japanese Hillside
12 Band Rotunda
18 Curator’s Office
24 Poet’s Bridge
30 Kunming Garden
36 Puriri Tree
42 Bowl Lake
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www.visit.taranaki.info
New Plymouth District
Pukekura Park and Brooklands
NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT
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New Plymouth District
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Tupare Location: 487 Mangorei Road, Hurworth Open: all hours
Experience Tūpare's beautifully restored garden and home. Sculpted from a hillside overlooking the Waiwhakaiho River, this is a premier landscaped garden. Tūpare is an Arts and Crafts-inspired property established in 1932 by the Matthews family. It features a Chapman-Taylor house set in grounds with secluded garden rooms, elegant borders and majestic trees. Sir Russell carefully planted stately trees, including magnificent redwoods, which set the atmosphere and framework for the property. He favoured rhododendrons, azaleas and hydrangeas. Deciduous maples, copper beeches and dawn redwoods stand out as the seasons change. The River Flat retains an idyllic pastoral feeling with simple plantings of specimen trees, complemented by the sound of the river. A great spot for family picnics, complete with free gas barbecue in its own shelter. Friends of Tūpare host free tours of the house at 11am, Fri–Mon from October to March. Tūpare is open all day, every day and entry is free. It’s owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council. For further information go to www.tupare.nz.
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www.visit.taranaki.info
NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT
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Located in the heart of Taranaki, Stratford is indelibly linked to its namesake Stratford-uponAvon, the famous home of William Shakespeare. The works of that town’s favourite son are immortalised in Stratford through street names, parks and the distinctive Glockenspiel Clock Tower, which performs passages from Romeo and Juliet at 10am, 1pm, 3pm and 7pm daily.
Open: all hours
Developed in 2001, the arboretum was made possible by a bequest to the community from the late Percy Thomson, a former mayor of Stratford who died in 1962. The bequest also funded a virtual herbarium, which can be found at www.taranakiplants.net.nz. The arboretum represents the native flora of New Zealand. This brief has been expanded to illustrate New Zealand’s ancient connection to the Gondwana landmass, through links to Australia and Chile. A number of plants in the arboretum are the living descendents of those on the
former Gondwana continent, which formed present day Antarctica, Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand. The arboretum adjoins Windsor Park and the Carrington Walkway, covers around 4000 metres, and a looped path provides an easy walk. The arboretum was planned only a few years ago so it is still very young in terms of plant growth. Plantings of rimu, miro and native conifers will eventually become a patch of rainforest as the trees mature.
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Stratford i-SITE Visitor Centre Prospero Pl and Miranda St, Stratford Phone: (06) 765 6708 or 0800 765 6708 Email: info@stratford.govt.nz Website: www.stratford.govt.nz
Location: Cloten Road, Stratford
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Stratford is the gateway to Taranaki Maunga and Egmont National Park, which offers walks and alpine tramps or a night at the historic Ngati Ruanui Stratford Mountain House. To the east lies the Forgotten World Highway, which takes you on a drive back in time punctuated by the heritage village of Whangamomona.
Thomson Arboretum
Stratford District
Stratford District
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King Edward Park
Stratford District
Location: Corner Fenton and Portia Streets, Stratford Open: all hours Located within easy reach of the town centre, King Edward Park is an ideal sanctuary to experience countless varieties of plants, mature trees, bird life and fastflowing mountain streams. To mark the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902, a variety of trees and a suspension bridge were planned to span the Pātea River between the Page Street Reserves and the town centre. The planted area became known as King Edward’s Park and later the reserves on both sides of the river were incorporated into the park.
Points Of Interest 1 Malone Gates
Surrounding the Scout Den, a sloping lawn leads to a grassed stage with views of the Pātea River. To the east is a shaded picnic area.
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Today, the park encompasses the Stratford Holiday Park, TSB Swimming Pool Complex, playing fields, netball courts, a children’s playground, and the Centennial Rest Room built in 1949.
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2 McCullough Rhododendron Dell
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The main access to the park is through the historic Malone Gates (1) on the corner of Fenton and Portia Streets. The concrete gates were built in 1923 as a tribute to Colonel William George Malone, who was killed at Chunuk Bair in 1915. Nearby, a commemorative lone pine tree was planted in 1968 with a seedling from Gallipoli’s Lone Pine Ridge.
Rhododendron plants from the Exbury Estate in Southampton were planted in the 1950s along with seeds from the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. Named after a Parks and Reserves Committee Chairman, Mr Edward Wallace McCullough, the McCullough Rhododendron Dell (2) includes a pond, selections of rhododendron hybrids, azaleas, hydrangeas and native and exotic shrubs and trees.
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Prospero Place
Stratford District
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Location: Broadway, Stratford Open: all hours
Named after a character in Shakespeare’s play The Tempest, Prospero Place is at the heart of Stratford’s business district and links the Stratford District and Centennial Library and Percy Thomson Art Gallery to the main shopping area.
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The paving has also been upgraded, with specimen trees and the existing gardens and lawn area revamped to create an informal enclosed space in the centre of the business district. This area has now become a focal point of the town with street market days, Taranaki Garden Festival events and outdoor exhibitions.
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Across Broadway stands New Zealand’s only glockenspiel clock tower (1), which plays a five-minute sequence from Romeo and Juliet, and on occasion in Te Reo Māori. Overlooking Prospero Place is a bust of William Shakespeare (2), further linking Stratford-on-Pātea to its namesake Stratford-on-Avon.
2 Bust of William Shakespeare
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Prospero Place has reflected the changing face of Stratford – from concrete planters and raised gardens in the 1970s to the brown timber painted fences and tile-edged lawns of the 1990s. In 2016 the library received a $1 million redevelopment and upgrade, and in 2002 Prospero Place was chosen as the site of the Percy Thomson Art Gallery.
1 Glockenspiel clock tower
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Once a large gully with a stream running through it, the area was purchased in the 1950s to enable the development of a shopping mall. Though the idea never eventuated, pedestrians began using the area as a walkway, and in the late 1950s a formal pedestrian route had been developed.
Points Of Interest
This building, whose architectural feature is an outline of Taranaki Maunga, became possible following a bequest from former Stratford mayor Percy Thomson, who died in 1962. The building also hosts the i-SITE and a café. In keeping with the mountain theme, the landscaping incorporates alpine planting.
PERCY THOMSON ART GALLERY
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www.visit.taranaki.info
STRATFORD DISTRICT
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Victoria Park
Stratford District
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Location: Orlando Street, Stratford Open: all hours
Dating back to 1885, Victoria Park gained its name and many of its trees in 1897, when £5 was spent on the purchase and planting of trees to commemorate 60 years of reign by Queen Victoria. From its early days, Victoria Park has hosted organised sport – it is home to Stratford’s rugby, cricket, amateur athletics and croquet clubs. The park is divided by a central lake (1), formed by a natural creek and originally developed as a perch pond. The lake was once used by anglers, boaters and swimmers before becoming a refuge for waterfowl. A well-established walking track follows the lake edge through native plantings and offers many seats for picnics and reflection.
A poignant reminder of the sacrifice made by Stratford’s young men in the Great War stands at the corner of Fenton and Orlando Streets in the form of the Victoria Park Memorial Gates (2), unveiled on ANZAC Day 1926.
Points Of Interest 1 Central lake 2 Victoria Park Memorial Gates
3 Rhododendrons and flowering
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In 1997, the Fenton Street boundary was planted in rhododendrons and flowering cherry trees (3). Now mature, these trees and shrubs give an attractive spring display of colour each year.
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A playground and skate park are popular features of the park.
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www.visit.taranaki.info
STRATFORD DISTRICT
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Windsor Park
Stratford District
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Location: Cloten Road, Stratford Open: all hours
Windsor Park once included a pathway under the rail bridge to Broadway, marked by several large magnolias, which now forms part of the Carrington Walkway.
Points Of Interest 1 Riverbank beach
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One of the park’s highlights include standing on the stony riverbank beach (1) while looking for fish in the river as they travel downstream.
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In the 1880s, E Burgess and Sons established the Stratford Sash and Door Company on the site, which included a tunnel to divert the Pātea River to a water wheel powering the factory. Adjacent to this was Johnston’s Aerated Cordial factory.
Featuring an “island” of three giant miro trees and other natives, along with plantings of exotic trees, this park is frequently seen in the background of local wedding photos.
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Located on the bank of the Pātea River, this small park gets its name from Shakespeare’s play The Merry Wives of Windsor. Gently sloping towards the river, and shaded by established trees, Windsor Park offers a tranquil escape. Sunny grassed areas can also be found and there are many picnic spots.
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The park was created in the 1930s by a group of locals with a vision of a riverbank garden.
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www.visit.taranaki.info
STRATFORD DISTRICT
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South Taranaki spans a large portion of the region, from Ōkato on the coast, around the mountain to Eltham and south to Waitotara. At the heart of this lush dairying district is the main centre of Hāwera, a town with a rich history and an impressive array of attractions and facilities.
South Taranaki District
South Taranaki District
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Goodson Dell Location: Corner Cameron and High Streets, Hāwera Open: all hours Originally part of the home garden of community leader and farmer Charles Goodson, the Dell was first developed as a swimming pool by damming a small spring. The swimming hole was lined by tidy concrete steps (1), and a bridge stretched over the spot where many Hāwera children learnt to swim and paddle a boat. The Dell’s trees, many of which are over 100 years old, include a magnificent Swamp Cypress.
The district boasts some of the best tramping, fishing and surfing in New Zealand, and is home to the remarkable Tawhiti Museum, regarded as the best private museum in the country. The towns of South Taranaki offer friendly communities, cosy cafés and a delightfully eclectic array of shops, studios, parks and gardens.
Over the years, the garden has been divided and sold. The swimming hole was drained and the garden fell into rack and ruin until
four walking friends from the Hāwera Women’s Club – known as the Goodson Guerrillas – decided to do something about it. Together the group created the gorgeous Goodson Dell. This park offers many pleasant opportunities to sit and enjoy the pretty vistas the Guerrillas have developed and enhanced. There is also a chance of meeting one of them spending an hour or two weeding or pruning, perhaps adding a seedling or two and ensuring the Goodson Dell is picture-perfect for future generations.
Points Of Interest 1 Steps
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South Taranaki i-SITE Visitor Centre 55 High Street, Hāwera Phone: (06) 278 8599 Email: visitorinfo@stdc.govt.nz Website: www.southtaranaki.com
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South Taranaki District
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Hollard Gardens Location: 1686 Upper Manaia Road, Kaponga Open: 9am–5pm (winter hours) 9am–8pm (daylight saving hours)
Established in the fertile rural landscape south of Taranaki Maunga by renowned plantsman Bernie Hollard in the 1920s, this property boasts a plant collection of national importance. It features many rhododendrons and unusual plants, and offers delightful contrasts. The vibrant colour of The Swamp is a must-see in spring. Later in the year, deciduous trees give a bright display of changing colours. Year-round, the garden buzzes with the sound of insects and manu/birds feeding on the diversity of seasonal flowers, fruit and seeds. The family corner has an inspiring children’s playground and there are free gas barbecues. Also check out Bernie’s Home Garden where different food-growing methods are demonstrated and popular workshops are held. Hollard Gardens is open all day, every day and entry is free. It’s owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council. For further information go to www.hollardgardens.nz.
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www.visit.taranaki.info
SOUTH TARANAKI DISTRICT
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South Taranaki District
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King Edward Park Location: High Street, Hāwera Open: all hours
King Edward Park offers pleasant picnic spots in tranquil locations, spectacular floral borders and rose gardens, dramatic seasonal changes and a wide range of amenities and attractions. Commissioned in 1875 and opened in 1902, the park commemorates the coronation of King Edward VII. The two oak trees standing near the main entrance were planted during the opening ceremony. Intended to showcase plants suited to the South Taranaki environment, the park has been designed around a formal base of two intersecting avenues.
www.visit.taranaki.info
The park gates (2) were erected to mark the Hāwera Industrial Exhibition of 1904 and the District’s troops lost in the South African War. The statue of pioneer farmer Albert Arthur Fantham (3) has surveyed the park for a century.
A unique feature is the Wendy Statue (6), created in England to commemorate Hāwera mayor James Campbell, who died in office. The sculpture is the companion
Built by the local Lions Club the pirate ship and tree fort (7) continue the Peter Pan theme and offer a popular playground.
Points Of Interest
4 Old naval cannon
1 Model boating lake
Constructed in 1851, the old naval cannon (4), which never fired a shot in anger, and
5 Park observatory
2 Park gates 3 Albert Arthur Fantham statue
6 Wendy statue 7 Pirate ship STAN LAY ENTRANCE
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piece to the statue of Peter Pan in London’s Kensington Gardens and has been in place since 1951.
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Equally spectacular is the park’s model boating lake (1), an expansive man-made
the park’s observatory (5), which began life as a band rotunda over a tea kiosk, were both installed in 1912.
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Championed by community leader and horticultural enthusiast Charles Goodson, many of the specimen trees and plants he introduced still remain today, notably the tōtara hedge planted in 1905, along with extensive daffodil beds, of which he was a noted breeder, and scented Luculia, a species he introduced to New Zealand. After his death, the Hāwera Horticultural Society created the Goodson Memorial Garden, which offers spectacularly colourful rhododendrons and azaleas.
pond that reflects surrounding trees and floral borders, and is home to many ducks and the occasional model yacht or power boat.
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South Taranaki District
Naumai Park Location: Gladstone Street, Hāwera Open: all hours
3 Summerhouse
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4 Ornamental gates
The ornamental gates (4), from the original Hāwera Hospital, were donated to the park in 1932.
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The park provides a popular summer picnic destination, though its tall trees limit the number of sunny spots at other times of the year. The park has also been used to stage both theatrical and musical events and recently provided a film set for the movie Predicament based on the book by Hāwera author Ronald Hugh Morrieson.
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Developed around a central core of three small lakes (the upper of which has been abandoned), Naumai Park contains several notable features. These include the 1927 Kauri grove (1), a comprehensive collection
1 Kauri grove
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Formerly known as the Horse Paddock, Yarrow Park, Miro Park and East End Park, it was officially named Naumai Park in 1926. Despite its largely native plant content, Naumai Park is not a natural feature of the Hāwera landscape, but a man-made transformation of a former dump site, created by a group of dedicated volunteers in the 1920s.
Points Of Interest
of native plants and impressive stone walls, the waterfall (2), which operates through a re-circulating pump in the upper lake, and the whare-like summerhouse (3), built in the 1940s and decorated with a striking mural.
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Renowned as a goblin park and a native plant park, Naumai Park offers an overwhelming sense of being in an untouched native bush environment.
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South Taranaki District
Stark Park and Bridger Park Location: Bridge Street, Eltham Open: all hours
A small amphitheatre (1) provides an occasional setting for concerts and other entertainment and the park is a popular picnic venue. The children’s Toy Wall (2) is a bizarrely beautiful artwork, which began in 1997 when the late Fay Young, a long-term employee of Jack Stark, found a child’s toy car on the ground outside her home. She put the toy on a concrete wall for the child to find, but when the unclaimed toy kept falling off, she cemented it on. After that, other children asked her to add their toys to the wall and even after her death in 2000, the wall’s collection has continued to grow. A photograph of Fay Young is attached to the roof of a dolls’-house-sized church built in the shrubbery behind the wall. Inside is an urn holding her ashes.
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SOUTH TARANAKI DISTRICT
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Bridger Park, named after Ira Bridger, Eltham Mayor from 1923 to 1938, is a pleasant valley park that straddles the Manawharawhara Stream. Originally a wasteland of blackberry and tangled willows, it was transformed into an attractive park as a project devised by Mr Bridger to provide work for the unemployed
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Opened in December 2005, nine months before Jack’s death, Stark Park was the first project by landscape architect Alice Cullen. The design inspiration was Eltham as “the town of firsts” and the park’s grassed area is in the shape of an eye, representing the eye of the firsts. The park also features several distinctive mosaics.
1 Amphitheatre
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The younger of the two, Stark Park, commemorates local icon Jack Stark and is built on the site of a grocery business established by Jack in 1945. The store was demolished after a fire and the site served as a car park for many years, though a remnant of the original building remains to form Stark Park’s northern wall.
Points Of Interest
during the depression. With predominantly native planting, the park is especially attractive when the kōwhai are in bloom in early spring.
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Stark and Bridger Parks provide a charming and restful centrepiece to Eltham’s historic retail precinct.
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Gardens of Significance
The New Zealand Gardens Trust offers a rating system for public and private gardens throughout New Zealand.
19 Te Kainga Marire Location: 15 Spencer Place, New Plymouth Contact: (06) 758 8693
In addition to the 5- and 6-Star gardens featured in this publication (Hollard Gardens, King Edward Park Hāwera, Pukeiti, Pukekura Park, and Tūpare), the following private 5- and 6-Star gardens are on offer in Taranaki.
Open: 9am–5pm, September to May Points Of Interest 1 Colonial bush hut 2 Fern-filled whare
Situated in a once weedy New Plymouth valley, Te Kainga Marire is recognised as one of New Zealand’s five Gardens of International Significance by the New Zealand Gardens Trust. In 1972, Valda Poletti and Dave Clarkson began their battle with half an acre of clay, kikuyu grass, gorse, fennel and blackberry. In an area of old pā sites, they built their own home – a “posh hut” designed to blend into the landscape. Keen outdoor adventurers, the couple wanted a bird-friendly garden designed around the ecological groupings they had observed in the wild. Grasses, climbers, herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees have been nurtured around rustic fences, a pond, a colonial bush hut (1) and a cool, fernfilled whare (2). Carefully planned native plantings on the property were designed to increase the number of tūī and other native manu/birds.
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www.visit.taranaki.info
Opened to the public in 1990, the garden wraps around the family home and sits between a coastal swamp forest remnant and pā site, opening onto the neighbouring river reserve and Te Henui Walkway.
TE HENUI STREAM
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This is a harmonious garden that weaves subtle textures and colours with quirky forms. Lush ferns, wetland plants, alpine treasures and native trees make up a microcosm of the New Zealand landscape.
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Te Kainga Marire was selected for inclusion in the prestigious BBC documentary Around the World in 80 Gardens.
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Entry to Te Kainga Marire is $10. Please note, there are no EFTPOS or credit card facilities available.
WHARE AND GLOW WORM TUNNEL
ALPINE GARDEN
For further information go to www.tekaingamarire.co.nz.
VEGETABLE GARDEN
POND AND WETLANDS
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Te Kainga Marire, Māori for “the peaceful encampment", is a skillfully designed native inner-city garden that mimics New Zealand’s natural environment.
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Open: 9am–5pm during festival season, or by appointment
access with roadside parking only. A golf cart is available on request. Entry to Nikau Grove is $10.
Ancient pukatea trees with huge buttress roots form a native rainforest canopy along a natural creek, while hundreds of Nikau Palms set the South Pacific theme. Lush exotics, including strelitzia, rhododendrons, abutilons and orchids, create interest and add splashes of colour throughout, while a variety of exotic palms have also been incorporated.
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www.visit.taranaki.info
This large expansive country garden is one of many contrasts, and has been a constantly developing labour of love for Adrian and Leonie for 25 years. Spanning four and a half acres, the garden features numerous interesting elements ranging from contemporary twists to traditional aspects.
a Japanese Garden and a Summer House plus many metres of local stone walls built by Leonie. There are surprises around every corner! Entry to Hofmans Garden is $5.
Points of interest include two wetland areas, a woodland garden, a large collection of rhododendrons and hostas, outdoor living areas and a land-art garden planted three years ago. This was designed by Chris Paul of Plant-it Earth and includes
Jane Dove Juneau
Note, the garden comprises many steps on quite steep hillsides and a steep road
Open: Open by appointment
Jane Dove Juneau
The gully teems with birdsong due to the increased planting of bird-attracting trees and plants throughout the garden, along with continued rat and possum control. A number of features that are dotted through the hillside oasis complete this unique offering. These include boardwalks, ponds, a large waterfall and weta motels.
Location: 170 Upper Stuart Road, Eltham Contact: (06) 764 7373
Jane Dove Juneau
Location: 65F Govett Ave, New Plymouth Contact: (06) 753 4971
Nikau Grove is a peaceful surprise nestled in the suburbs of New Plymouth. Set in a gully of lush native rainforest, this mature garden of approximately one and a half acres incorporates a variety of intimate and larger spaces, with an emphasis on native plants, which link seamlessly into exotic plantings.
Hofmans Garden
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Jane Dove Juneau
Jane Dove Juneau
Nikau Grove
Gardens of Significance
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GARDENS OF SIGNIFICANCE
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Oakley Garden
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Open: 9am–5pm during festival season, or by appointment
Situated just 2km from the South Taranaki coast, this established garden shelter creates a haven from prevailing winds. The striking private garden has developed a style that reflects owner Jenny Oakley’s formal horticulture and landscape design training and is recognised as a Garden of National Significance. Jenny and her husband Guy began to plant shelter when they bought the property in 1984, while Jenny was working at Hollard Gardens. Initially the property had no shelter around the house, so Jenny gardened in a hollow in the paddock with the intention of shifting some of those plants to the garden when the shelter grew. However, by that time, the plants were all far too large to shift so had to stay where they were originally planted.
and rushing outside in the hope that they would stay sleeping while she was working. To counter the foliage burning of the saltladen onshore winds, a lot of hardy natives have been planted, namely Pittosporum crassifolium – one of the hardiest hedge plants for Taranaki – along with boxthorn hedges used as farm hedges around the garden. Today, the large family garden is complete with hedge-lined paths linking carefully planned garden rooms, brick walls and pillars, exuberant cottage style borders, early flowering roses, a vegetable potage and many hanging baskets. Entry to Oakley Garden is $4.
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www.visit.taranaki.info
Rob Tucker
It wasn’t until Jenny left work with children on the way that the couple began developing the garden from a bare slate consisting from only a walnut tree. Most of the hard work was done while the Oakley children were still babies – Jenny recalls putting her young children to bed
Puketarata Garden Location: 14 Ngawhini Road, Hāwera Contact: (06) 278 3081
Rob Tucker
Location: 79 Lower Normanby Road, Manaia Contact: (06) 274 8060
Gardens of Significance
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Open: 9am–5pm during festival season, or by appointment
Covering an acre and a half, on the brow of a north-facing hill, Puketarata Garden is a captivating private country garden 6km north of Hāwera that offers fantastic views of inland Taranaki and Taranaki Maunga. Owners Ken and Jennifer Horner started their home and garden project in 1983 with a bare paddock and a shared passion for native New Zealand plants. This passion, almost 30 years on, has resulted in increased native bird life including tūī, bell birds and kererū.
rhododendrons, roses, the usual and unusual garden shrubs and perennials. The garden and home are adjacent to the Puketarata Pā, one of the many pā sites in this area, constructed some 400 years ago. Evidence of the trenches, house sites and midden are still visible. Puketarata Garden is recognised as a Garden of National Significance. Entry to Puketarata is $10. For further information go to www.puketaratagarden.co.nz.
The property features a large lawn adjacent to the home, a grass tennis court on a level below the home, connected by ha-ha and a small orchard under-planted with daffodils. A vegetable and herb garden and a berry house can be found behind the home. The gully below the house was fenced off and systematically planted with a mix of natives, deciduous trees and rhododendrons, which can be viewed from the ha-ha and gully tracks. With an emphasis on greens and texture, the garden planting is a blend of natives,
GARDENS OF SIGNIFICANCE
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Venture Gardens of Taranaki Significance
Taranaki’s gardens are so spectacular they have two garden festivals each spring.
Taranaki Garden Festival
About Venture Taranaki
Taranaki’s most spectacular gardens are showcased annually as part of the Taranaki Garden Festival, one of New Zealand’s longest running garden festivals. Presenting a variety of gardens from large park-like country gardens, intimate inner city potager gardens, subtropical and rainforest gardens, the festival also includes an extensive events programme including guided walks and celebrity speakers.
Taranaki Parks and Gardens Guide is part of a collection of publications produced by Venture Taranaki, Taranaki’s Regional Development Agency. These booklets and brochures showcase the region and its many stories and attractions.
Phone: 06 759 8412 Email: enquiries@gardenfestnz.co.nz www.gardenfestnz.co.nz
Taranaki Fringe Garden Festival A garden festival like no other, the Taranaki Fringe Garden Festival brings together an amazingly eclectic array of experiences. The event is New Zealand’s largest garden festival with gardens and places of interest ranging from pocket-sized gardens on small town sections, traditional stately gardens, large country gardens, quirkier gardens full of surprises and artistically-inspired gardens brimming with inspiration and ideas to take home. Email: taranakigardentrust@gmail.co.nz www.taranakigardens.co.nz
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www.visit.taranaki.info
Venture Taranaki works across tourism, conventions, regional marketing and major events plus business and economic development to grow the Taranaki region. The region’s official website – www.taranaki.info – presents a wealth of information for anyone looking to visit, move or learn more about Taranaki, or grow a business within the region. Venture Taranaki works one-on-one with individuals, businesses, small groups, clusters, media and industry to grow the economic wellbeing of Taranaki. Contact us to find out how we can work with you – www.taranaki.info.
Other Venture Taranaki Visitor Publications R'S
A WALKE GUIDE
Free Copy www.visit.taranaki.info download at or
8th Edition
Taranaki A Walker's Guide
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
Free Copy
or download at www.visit.taranaki.info 5th Edition
Taranaki Museums and Galleries Guide
Forgotten World Highway Touring Route Guide
Surf Highway 45 Touring Route Guide
Taranaki: An Insider's Guide
These guides and more can be found at i-SITE Visitor Information Centres in New Plymouth, Stratford and Hāwera or by contacting Venture Taranaki on 06 759 5150, emailing info@venture.org.nz or downloading from www.visit.taranaki.info.
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New Plymouth i-SITE Visitor Centre Puke Ariki, 65 St Aubyn Street, New Plymouth 0800 639 759, info@newplymouth.govt.nz Stratford i-SITE Visitor Centre Prospero Pl and Miranda St, Stratford 0800 765 6708, info@stratford.govt.nz South Taranaki i-SITE Visitor Centre 55 High Street, Hāwera (06) 278 8599, visitorinfo@stdc.govt.nz
An initiative of:
Taranaki's Regional Development Agency Venture Taranaki is an initiative founded by New Plymouth District Council and supported by South Taranaki District Council and Stratford District Council. Visit the website for: • Events, activities and attractions • Accommodation options • Job opportunities • Business assistance and growth programmes • The latest regional intelligence • Other downloadable brochures
This publication was produced by Venture Taranaki with support and assistance from, New Plymouth District Council, Stratford District Council, South Taranaki District Council, Taranaki Regional Council. All efforts have been made to ensure information provided in this publication is accurate, at the time of publishing.
Images supplied by: New Plymouth District Council South Taranaki District Council Stratford District Council Taranaki Arts Festival Trust Taranaki Regional Council
Venture Taranaki Trust Jane Dove Juneau Jennifer Horner Rob Tucker
TGMJ009142 - NOV 2020
www.taranaki.info
ISBN 978-0-473-44679-6