New Plymouth Gardens
Parks and gardens add greatly to the charm of this port city, which is famous for its annual rhododendron festival in November. Popular gardens include:
- Pukeiti
A hybrid rhododendron and azalea garden in a 360 hectare rainforest setting.
- Pukekura Park & Brooklands
An inner-city park with flower gardens, native bush, lakes, streams and a waterfall and fountain. Includes a fernery and display house, children's zoo and the historic Gables Gallery. Rowing boats are available for hire on the lakes.
- Tupare
A Queen Elizabeth II National Trust garden centred around the Chapman Taylor house, with trees and water features.
- Puketapu Iris & Day Lily Gardens
A colourful and large array of iris and day lilies. Open September to February.
- Tawa Glen Gardens
Featuring 1.6 hectares of rhododendrons, heritage roses, perennial borders and a lake.
Regional Gardens
- Hollard Gardens, Kaponga
A Queen Elizabeth II National Trust garden featuring a collection of interesting and rare plants, including rhododendrons, bog gardens and native bush.
- Ngaere Gardens, Stratford
Taranaki's oldest garden established during the 1880s, and featuring birds, lakes, fountains and an old English-style bridge.
- Hikurangi, Okato
About 2.8 hectares of parkland and gardens, open from October to May. The woolshed contains a small museum.
- Ngamamaku, Oakura
Interconnected gardens with a stream, bridges, bush, an aviary and a formal rose garden.
- Te Popo Gardens, Stratford
A 2.4 hectare woodland garden famous for its birds, and with a rare collection of deciduous trees. There is an attractive native forest walk along a deep river gorge.