Pukeiti

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.

Pukeiti offers a range of garden walks from 45 minutes to two hours. This includes the Rhododendron Stroll (45 minutes), Valley of the Giants Walk (60 minutes), and the Puke Te Whiti Trail (two hours).

It is possible for people with wheelchairs and pushchairs to enjoy the Rhododendron Stroll and The Valley of the Giants walk. For those less-abled, mobility vehicle tours are free and available at 11am on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. No dogs please.

The Treehouse Trail adventure challenge is a free self-guided activity through the gardens using an activity satchel which can be collected from the Rainforest Cetnre (outside the Founders Café) any day of the week.

Beginning at the fish tanks, the activity cards guide you through the gardens to each Treehouse, where you will find hidden facts and questions. Throughout the challenge, children are also encouraged to use all their senses to try to find signs of the different creatures that live there.

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.