Pukeiti hosts one of the world’s biggest and most diverse collections of rhododendrons and other exotics, creating an explosion of colour among lush, native rainforest and mountain streams.

Pukeiti is a great place to be all year round, with Vireya rhododendrons and other rare and unusual plants a key feature. In July, the enormous flower trusses of the large-leaf rhododendrons start awakening, followed by camellias and magnolias. By October, hundreds of exotics start to flower with herbaceous plantings and bulbs, and in December, giant Himalayan lilies up to 3m tall fill the air with the scent of honey.

For thousands of years, Pukeiti was unspoiled virgin rainforest. Most of the rimu were removed in a decade during logging in the 1920s. Afterwards, some areas remained forested while others were used for pasture or pine plantations.

Now, more than 80 years later, the forest covers the land once more. Pukeiti's rainforest tracks (ranging from 0.7km to 1.9km) take you through the regenerating rainforest with remnant pockets of mature forest and some ancient rimu trees.
There are spectacular views of the Tasman Sea, and the Pouakai and Kaitake mountain ranges.

Be prepared for possible changes in weather conditions. There are three unbridged streams that can be impassable after heavy rain. Mobile phone coverage is not reliable in this area, so please be careful. NO DOGS PLEASE.

Tracks include:

• Patuha Track: 1.2km
• Te Iringa Track: 0.8km
• Kaitake Track: 1.9km
• Summit Track: 1km (further 400m to summit)
• Jubilee Track: 1.3km
• Saxton Track: 1.6km
• Rimu Track: 0.7km

Download brochure and map:

Pukeiti rainforest day walks [PDF, 2.6 MB]

Please be aware that there is machinery operating and tracks are being created and improved. Please stay out of closed areas.

The Rainforest Centre sits at the entrance to Pukeiti and features a multi-media interpretation area, function space and direct access to covered areas housing the largest public display of vireya rhododendrons in the world.

It also offers panoramic views of the rainforest garden and coast, and easy access to a tree-top lookout over Pukeiti’s famed waterwheel. 

This is one of the recent developments at Pukeiti, with lot's more exciting projects on the horizon.

For those who are less able to walk around the garden, a mobility vehicle service is available between 1 October and 31 March at 11am on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

If you would like to join this service, please meet at the visitor area near the café at these times. There is no charge.

Freedom camping (in certified self-contained vehicles only) is permitted in the Pukeiti carpark

Vehicles must display a current self-containment warrant card on the front windscreen and have their self-containment certificate inside the vehicle so that it can be provided to an enforcement officer upon request.
The card and certificate demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the New Zealand Standard for Self-Containment of Motor Caravans and Caravans (NZS 5465:2001).

The road to Pukeiti is narrow and winding. In a large vehicle, it’s better to approach from New Plymouth, directly up Carrington Road, rather than from the coastal roads. Motorhomes and caravans are welcome to stay in the upper carpark (a large gravel area) for up to three nights. There are toilets and a coin-operated shower in the lower level of the Rainforest Centre ($2 for 5 mins).

This is where you can park your motorhome at Pukeiti

Use our Plant Hunter’s Station to find out about the plants at Pukeiti. Our database includes all of the garden plants, as well as many New Zealand rainforest plants which occur naturally at Pukeiti.

Go to Pukeiti Hunter’s Station(external link)

Take your training up a notch with the Pukeiti Fitness Trails - Ngā ara hauroa tinana.

The trails consist of:

• 14 exercise stations to challenge your strength, agility and endurance.
• A 950m running trail through the beautiful Pukeiti rainforest - a perfect combination with the exercise stations.

Find the Fitness Trails on the Petterson Walk, 270m from the Main Lawn

See garden map [PDF, 818 KB]

See Fitness Trails flyer [PDF, 1.2 MB]