Pukekura Park and Bowl of Brooklands
Taranaki
Photographer: Hiroshi Nameda
(hnamechan@hotmail.com)
Pukekura Park
New Plymouth, Taranaki
Pukekura Park is located in the centre of New Plymouth, in the Taranaki region of New Zealand. The park covers about 128 acres and offers a wide range of attractions and activities.
Pukekura Park is a botanical wonder that was first opened in 1876, changing the area from a swamp into a public recreation ground. Over the intervening years it has developed into about 52 hectares of lush native bush and groomed gardens within a city that has grown around it.
Pukekura Park Attractions
Pukekura Park contains two lakes, one of which has wooden rowboats for hire. Further attractions include:
- Children's playground
- Cricket ground
- Fernery and Display Houses
- Kiosk
- Fountain and waterfall
- Historic band rotunda
- Bowl of Brooklands
- Brooklands Zoo
National and international acts regularly perform at the Bowl, a natural amphitheatre. Its night-time concerts cannot be missed for the unique and memorable experiences the Bowl provides both audiences and performers.
Right next to the Bowl of Brooklands are beautiful English-style gardens and a children's zoo.
Pukekura Park is the venue for the spectacular Festival of Lights. From December to February every year, hundreds of lighting displays turn the park into a huge illuminated fantasyland.
