New Zealand Walk: Pukeiti - a garden of national

By Judy Eva

Pukeiti - a garden of national significance

Pukeiti beside Egmont National Park in Taranaki is by reason of it’s topography and climate a unique garden. It has been formed by the completely opposite creation to that of most major gardens of the world.

It had to be carved out of dense temperate rain-forest; hence there are few man made avenues. There are narrow paths, many named after foundation members snaking through the bush with bays of plantings on either side. The element of surprise is always around the next corner.

For thousands of years it was unspoiled virgin rain forest. Most of the rimu were removed in a decade during logging in the 1920’s. Afterwards

Above: The Rainforest Centre. Below left: On one of the many walking tracks.

some area’s remained forested while others were used for pasture or pine plantations. Now more than 80 years later the forest is covering the land once more.

The development of Pukeiti has not always been smooth, climatic and soil factors along with possums, goats, the swamp like conditions, high rainfall and storm force winds were a challenge.

When Pukeiti founder William Douglas Cook first laid eyes on the place in 1950 he was taken with its lushness and foliage. One walk through was enough. He knew he had found the right spot.

Pukekiti is now an exotic rhododendron collection uniquely nestled in rain forest beside Egmont National Park. It is one of the world’s biggest and most diverse collections and explodes with the colour of hundreds of flowering exotics.

It is now a garden of national significance and has become one of the country’s foremost rhododendron collections recognised globally for its diversity and unique rainforest setting also featuring a large range of garden, rainforest walks and tramping tracks.

The 360 acre property passed into the stewardship of Taranaki Regional Council in 2010 and planning began on upgrades to allow the community and their visitors to take full advantage of all the special qualities. Experience an explosion of colour of hundreds of exotic flowers against a lush backdrop of forested volcanic ranges, mountain streams and bird song.

Pukeiti’s giants awaken in July. The enormous flower trusses of the large leaf rhododendrons, along with The Valley of the Giants Walk, contrast with the rainforest foliage. Camellias and magnolias follow.

By October, the Rhododendron Stroll explodes with colour with hundreds of flowering exotica. Complementary herbaceous plantings and bulbs enhance the display. Flowering throughout the year other rare and unusual plants provide year-round interest.

There are many walking and day Above: The Rainforest Canopy a must walk to do.

Below: Spring in Pukeiti.

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Pukeiti - a garden of national significance

Above: Many paths to choose from. Below left: All paths are well signposted. tramping tracks. There are a myriad of tracks and paths around and within the confines of the gardens all with information signs about the plants, birds and insects. The more adventurous ones are through the rainforest where there are remnant pockets of mature forest and some rimu trees with spectacular views of the Tasman Sea, the Pouakai and the Kaitake mountain ranges.

With these particular more open tracks be prepared for changes in the weather, there are three unbridged streams that can be impassable after heavy rain, also mobile phone coverage is not reliable. If doing the Whites Track to the swing bridge it is not advisable to go any further unless you are a tramper. The length of the km’s for these tracks are on the brochures.

Be prepared to spend a day walking the garden tracks, they are all signposted and well maintained, even then you will be hard pressed to do them all. The Valley of the Gi-

ants walk is a fitness trail (along with other choices) is ideal for groups as well as visitors and is a 50 minute walk.

The rainforest tracks are more of a challenge taking you out into a more open and rough terrain. There are maps and brochures available just inside the entrance to The Rainforest Centre with this information. The centre is in itself is a magnificent structure, within which is the Founders Cafe, delicious meals and coffee with panoramic views across the garden, rainforest and the Tasman sea. A conference room, events facilities and the Canopy Walk, with its stunning design and peerless views of the rainforest and garden, a memorable gateway to the rainforest.

From the top you can take the stairs down and walk along the bush track to view the old waterwheel, an experience not to be missed. In the winter months the tracks can be muddy. Details on their website. There are treehouse trails for the kids.

There are guided tours and a mobility vehicle. Toilets at the centre. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy this beautiful garden. Plenty of seats. I found the best times to visit were Spring, Summer and Autumn for colour. Take good walking shoes as the ground can be mushy due to the rainfall there. Warm clothing is a good idea as the temperature can be cooler due to being high in the ranges.

For those wanting to enjoy the walking tracks and gardens, the terrain is mostly hilly and some of the tracks are steep to climb.

There is a large parking area with room for tour buses and overnight stays for self contained motor homes, free. No dogs permitted.

The café is open 10 am to 4 pm June to September, every day Oct to Feb, and Wed to Sunday March to May. Phone 0800 736 222 for further information or www.pukeiti.nz

Due to Pukeiti situated in the ranges the access road is narrow, steep in parts and very winding, take care. The road is in good condition. Enjoy. There are access points around the coast from Hawera and also from the New Plymouth

Address is 2290 Carrington Road, New Plymouth.

Above right: In the Rainforest

Canopy Walk.

Below left: Map of garden walks and outer rainforest tramping tracks.

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