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New Plymouth - A Paradise For Rhododendron Lovers
Photographs and article by Kate Methven 19/01/01
There are 1500 species of rhododendrons throughout the world - in New
Plymouth and the surrounding Taranaki countryside you will find at least
1000 of them! So if you are a fan of these beautiful shrubs then a
visit to this city is a must.
Taranaki Rhododendron Festival
Each year for the past fourteen years the city has hosted a rhododendron
festival during the peak blooming period in late
October / early November.
During the ten days of the festival around eighty gardens are open to the
public. Many are privately owned, some are public gardens and others are
professional... there is definitely something for everyone, but which to
choose?
For those who cannot make the festival, there is still plenty to see as
I found out by just visiting two of the city's public gardens.
Pukeiti - A garden for all seasons
Pukeiti is New Zealand's premier rhododendron garden situated in
magnificent rain forest on the lower slopes of Mt Taranaki. Set up by a
dedicated group of people Pukeiti is now a registered Charitable Trust
whose
members are dedicated to providing one of the world's great collections
of species and hybrid rhododendrons and azaleas in an area covering 360
hectares. There are more than 10,000 shrubs set amongst centuries-old,
lush rain forest - a truly delightful experience at any time of the year.
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Leo A. M. - wonderful rich red colour - Pukeiti Gardens
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Winsome A. M. - a colourful display - Pukeiti Gardens
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Golden Ball - in the shade house - Pukeiti Gardens
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The flowering season
Each month of the year has special features so there is always something
to see...
- Jan - Summer flowering rhododendrons, hydrangea species, auratum
lilies
- Feb - Early vireya rhododendrons, hydrangea species, auratum lilies
- Mar - Vireo rhododendrons, climbing rata, autumn crocus, Japanese
anemones
- Apr - Vireya rhododendrons, rata, autumn crocus and many types of
hydrangeas
- May - Vireya rhododendrons, cyclamen and hellebores
- June - First hybrid Rhododendron Pink Delight’ daphnes, mahonias and
witch hazels
- July - Large leaf rhododendrons, sasanqua camellias, snowdrops
- Aug - Large leaf rhododendrons, reticulata camellias, crocuses,
primroses.
In the Display House, pleione orchids and vireyas
- Sept - The early hybrid rhododendrons and azaleas, michelias magnolias,
daffodils
- Oct - Hybrid rhododendrons and evergreen azaleas at their peak.
Viburnums, candelabra, primulas, hostas
- Nov - Rhododendrons such as the Loderis, elliottii and late hybrids in
full bloom along with deciduous azaleas, kalmias, spiraeas and
hostas
- Dec - Late rhododendron hybrids, meconopsis, iris and the spectacular
giant cardiocrinum lilies
Getting there
Join Carrington Street off Powderham Street in the main city and follow
this road for thirty minutes or so until you arrive at 2290 - now named
Carrington Road (it is well signposted). On the way you will get great
views of Mt Taranaki and as you climb further you should see Mt Ruapehu in
the
distance.
Opening hours
The garden and Gatehouse Cafe are open 9 - 5 daily. I can recommend
the cafe which has a good selection of home baking - can't beat fresh,
hot muffins for morning tea or homemade soup for lunch!
Pukekura Park and Brooklands
A few blocks from the city centre at the end of Liardet St you will find
Pukekura Park and the adjoining Brooklands developed into a park of many
faces.
Pukekura Park was opened in 1876. Originally it was a barren swampy
valley which had been set aside as a recreation area for the local
community. Over the last century it has been developed to provide a park
full of
interesting landscapes, native bush, sweeping lawns, fresh water lakes
and streams as well as formal flower beds.
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Manmade waterfall at Pukekura Park
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Duck pond at Pukekura Park
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In contrast Brooklands was a family estate established in 1843 and
bequeathed to the people of New Plymouth in 1934. It has been developed
with a large landscaped plateau from the original gardens surrounded by
dense subtropical forest. A large amphitheatre - the Bowl of Brooklands
provides an excellent outdoor venue for concerts and outdoor
entertainments.
A park for all the family
There are three playgrounds which offer a variety of equipment suitable for
toddlers to early teens. There is a children's zoo with farmyard animals,
tropical birds and monkeys. A picnic area alongside is a great place to
sit and relax whilst watching the animals at play. Older children and
adults can enjoy a lazy sail on the boating lake.
Another interesting feature is the manmade waterfall. Built in 1970
this 10.6 metres high waterfall circulates an amazing 180,000 litres of
water per hour. At night the combination of light, sound and movement
make this a
popular visiting spot.
For rhododendron lovers the Sanders Rhododendron Dell and Stainton Dell
are filled with many varieties of shrubs.
So from sailing on the lake or feeding the ducks to taking a bush walk
this park has much to offer all ages.
An ideal stopover for 'rhodo fans'
We certainly enjoyed our two night stopover in New Plymouth and
recommend you try it some time especially if you are a 'rhodo fan' like
me.
For further information contact New Plymouth Information Centre
Phone (06) 759 6080
If you enjoyed reading this, you may wish to read the following articles.
Christchurch, the Garden City in Spring
Ilam Gardens
Awa Awa Reserve
The Canterbury Rhododendron Society
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