First opened on May 29 1876, Pukekura Park has grown from a modest 12-hectare block of swamp and gorse into a 52-hectare sanctuary right in the centre of the city.
Back in the 1870s, the area was simply known as the Recreation Ground or 'The Rec'.
Local lawyer Robert Clinton Hughes had the vision to persuade the Taranaki Provincial Government to purchase the initial block of land.
During the gala opening, Jane Carrington, daughter of surveyor Frederic Alonzo Carrington, ceremonially planted the first trees. Her additions included a Norfolk Island pine and a pūriri.
Over the decades, the park steadily expanded and gained features that are now essential to North Taranaki life.
The main lake began taking shape in 1878.
Soon after, the iconic Poet's Bridge opened in 1884. This striking red structure was famously paid for by the winnings of a racehorse named The Poet.
New Plymouth District Council Mayor Max Brough acknowledged the park's immense value to the region in a recent anniversary statement. "Pukekura Park is the absolute jewel in our crown," Brough said. "Generations of families have grown up feeding the ducks, walking through the Fernery, and enjoying summer concerts at the Bowl of Brooklands. It is a place that brings our community together."
The name Pukekura, which translates to "red hill", was officially bestowed upon the park in 1907.
Further additions like the Brooklands estate and Maranui Gully in the 1930s significantly boosted the park's footprint.
The Bowl of Brooklands later opened in 1958, cementing the area as a premium entertainment venue for the wider region.
Today, the park features a diverse mix of native and exotic plants, alongside popular attractions like Brooklands Zoo, the cascading waterfall, and the historic Fernery which opened in 1928.
Thousands of locals and tourists visit the grounds every week.
The New Plymouth District Council, which has administered the reserve since 1929, has hosted anniversary events throughout the week to commemorate the historical milestone.
New Plymouth Brass, NZ’s oldest brass band, will play at 1pm today on New Zealand’s oldest band rotunda at Pukekura Park, by the main lake.
