Puketarata Garden (Private)
Five minutes from Hāwera, this stunning Garden of International Significance and a plant lovers paradise awaits your visit. Sensitively perched upon the brow of a hill overlooking the historic four hundred year old Puketarata Pā, the one and a half acre country garden perfectly frames views of the magnificent Taranaki Mounga and inland Taranaki.
Puketarata Garden, carefully curated over four decades by owners, Jennifer and Ken Horner, cleverly blends a diverse range of native and exotic plants. A focus on defining garden rooms with the contours of the land adds to the effect of moving from defined space to defined space.
Innovative and inspirational plantings are the essence of this beautiful garden but the skilled use of borrowed landscape is Puketarata’s heart. Experience its power.
The gully below with a network of tracks has a QEII Open Spaces Covenant. Remnant podocarp bush including Tawa, Rewarewa, Kōwhai, Karaka and a mix of other natives & exotics.
Allow an hour at least to stroll around. Guided tours available. Tour groups welcome - access for large coaches up 500m driveway is not possible.
Garden Features
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Lawns, grass tennis court
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Miro and Tōtara hedges, and other natives throughout the garden
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Herbaceous borders
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Bulbs, magnolias, cherry blossom and rhododendrons in the Spring
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Borrowed landscape - views to Taranaki Mounga and inland Taranaki
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Sculpture - Jeff Thomson: Cow and Gate; Michael Smither: Playhouse; Chris Charteris: Pou
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Berry house, fruit tress and compost bins
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Extensive pest/rodent control increasing the numbers of birds
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Significant early Māori history
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QEII Open Spaces Covenant on Gully – extensive tracks through remnant podocarp bush & assorted mature trees.
Opening Hours and Tariffs
Open by appointment and during the Taranaki Garden Festival (first week of November).
Adults $10, children free
Contact Details and Location
Physical Address: 14 Ngawhini Rd, Hāwera
Phone: 06 2783081; 021 278 3081
Email: info@puketaratagarden.co.nz
Website: http://puketaratagarden.co.nz
Facilities and Amenities
Children Welcome
Parking available for cars and small buses.
Larger bus groups can be picked up from the road by arrangement (500m driveway).
