Pukeiti

One of the worlds great Rhododendron gardens is situated in the Taranaki rainforest. There is a superb covered display of Vireyas and many other plant collections which illustrate Pukeiti's theme 'A garden for all seasons - a sanctuary for all time.' Started in 1951 adjacent to the slopes of Egmont National Park, this cut over forest has been nurtured and replanted with rimu and other podocarps while pest control has been continuous to enhance natural regeneration. Many kilometres of well formed tracks enable most visitors to enjoy both the garden and the rainforest experience and witness some of the pioneering logging operations which took place. Birdlife abounds in the forest and many native birds such as tui, bellbird, pigeon, fantail, waxeye, cuckoo and whitehead are seen. The mountain streams contain rare and endangered native fish.Pukeiti's season starts in July with the first of the majestic large - leaf rhododendrons flowering amongst the forest canopy, one of the finest collection of these anywhere. Camellias, the large magnolias and michelias follow. By October the garden is alive with colour from flower and foliage. Herbaceous plantings, alpines, primulas, hostas and thousands of bulbs continue the display until the giant Himalayan lilies flower in December. The Hydrangea collection comes to a peak in mid summer and on into autumn while vireyas round off the flowering year with their winter display.Note that last garden entry is 1 hour before the stated closing time. Admission from Labour weekend through to Taranaki Rhododendron Festival is $16 pp, $12 Seniors. Mobility Scooters available.

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