Pukeiti

Pukeiti is a garden of international significance. 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.

Marvel at the filmy ferns and luscious landscape, as well as the views which included the surfbound coast, North Taranaki and Mt Ruapehu. He was also attracted to the clean and healthy looking rhododendrons which were still thriving despite being in an old and neglected garden.

Cook donated the block to the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust and work soon started on developing the property. The official opening took place on Thursday 1 November 1951, when the gates were opened to visitors who walked from the shack right through to the summit along the bush track and partly formed road.