Tupare New Plymouth
A stunning Tudor-style home surrounded by meticulously designed gardens, offering a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blooming flowers galore
Tupare New Plymouth
Best Time
Blooming flowers galore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Tudor-style home surrounded by meticulously designed gardens, offering a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into history.
"A priceless gift - a lovely, quiet place where you can be still and look at beautifully designed gardens."
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths can be uneven; good walking shoes are a must for exploring the entire garden.
📸 Bring Your Camera
Stunning photo opportunities abound, especially during spring and autumn.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Tudor-Style House
Central garden area
A beautifully preserved 1930s study and home, offering a glimpse into the past.
Diverse Garden Sections
Throughout the grounds
Explore distinct garden areas, each meticulously designed and maintained.
Riverside Walk
Along the Waiwhakaiho River
A peaceful stroll offering scenic views and the soothing sound of flowing water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Tupare
Embrace the Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths can be uneven; good walking shoes are a must for exploring the entire garden.
📸 Bring Your Camera
Stunning photo opportunities abound, especially during spring and autumn.
🤫 Respect the Quiet
It's a peaceful retreat; keep noise levels down to enjoy the serenity.
💧 Water and Toilets Available
Facilities are available, making it comfortable for longer visits.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Paths can be uneven; good walking shoes are a must for exploring the entire garden.
📸 Bring Your Camera
Stunning photo opportunities abound, especially during spring and autumn.
🤫 Respect the Quiet
It's a peaceful retreat; keep noise levels down to enjoy the serenity.
💧 Water and Toilets Available
Facilities are available, making it comfortable for longer visits.
📚 Learn the History
Information panels detail the garden's development and the original family.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Tupare Gardens for its exceptional beauty, meticulous maintenance, and peaceful atmosphere. Many highlight the thoughtful design of the various garden sections and the historical insights provided by information panels. It's described as a 'priceless gift' and a 'slice of paradise,' offering a restorative experience for the soul. Some note the lack of nighttime lighting, but this is generally outweighed by the daytime splendor.
"Freedom camping is allowed in the parking lot. Toilets are open at night, less than 200m away downhill into the park. Drinking water is there too. No lights in the park at night so you will need flashlights. We were the only car there, it was very quiet and it felt safe."
Garrett
"Spent a spring afternoon in this beautiful garden. Everything was perfect. I can't recommend Tupare highly enough. The Matthews family and Taranaki District Council have given the public a priceless gift - a lovely, quiet place where you can be still, listen to birdsong, and look at beautifully designed and maintained gardens. Good for the soul! Many thanks to the team of hardworking gardeners who maintain this little slice of paradise."
Kirsty S
"Not in peak autumn but this garden is worth visiting in any season due to its beauty. Very informative caretakers working there too."
Gill Howes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tupare Gardens are located in New Plymouth, Taranaki. They are accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes or considering a taxi/rideshare is advisable.
Yes, Tupare Gardens are well-signposted in New Plymouth. It's a popular spot, so following GPS or local signage should lead you directly there.
The coastal walkway in New Plymouth is popular for cycling, and Tupare is accessible from this network, offering a scenic route.
Most visitors arrive by car. There's parking available, and the drive itself offers views of the surrounding Taranaki region.
Yes, Tupare is often visited alongside other New Plymouth attractions like the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, and Brooklands Zoo. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tupare Gardens are a public gift, and entry is generally free, allowing everyone to enjoy this beautiful space.
The gardens are typically open during daylight hours, but it's always a good idea to check the official Taranaki Regional Council website for the most current opening times, especially during different seasons.
No, Tupare Gardens are free to enter, making it an accessible and wonderful experience for all visitors.
The park is not lit at night, so flashlights are recommended if you plan to stay after dusk. Toilets are usually open, and freedom camping is sometimes permitted in the parking lot.
While not always advertised, keep an eye on local event listings for potential guided tours or special garden open days.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best natural light for photography, creating beautiful shadows and highlights. Golden hour is particularly magical.
Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's best to check with the Taranaki Regional Council or local authorities before flying a drone to ensure compliance with any restrictions.
The Tudor-style house, the various themed garden sections, the riverside path, and the mature trees are all highly photogenic.
For professional photoshoots, it's advisable to inquire with the Taranaki Regional Council about any permit requirements or guidelines.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm, is great for capturing both landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the expansive garden views.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can wander through the beautifully designed gardens, admire the historic Tudor-style house, enjoy the riverside walk, and simply relax in a peaceful natural setting.
Absolutely! The well-maintained paths make it ideal for a relaxing stroll, allowing you to appreciate the diverse flora and landscaping.
Restrooms are available. While there isn't a cafe on-site, there are many dining options in nearby New Plymouth.
Tupare was originally the home of the Matthews family, who developed the extensive gardens over many years. The Taranaki Regional Council now maintains it for public enjoyment.
Picnicking is generally permitted in designated areas, but it's always good to check for any specific rules regarding food and waste disposal to help keep the gardens pristine.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to look for different colored flowers, listen to the birds, and imagine the lives of the family who lived there. It's a chance for them to connect with nature in a beautiful and safe environment. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as there are no cafes on-site.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
Bring a book, a journal, or simply your thoughts, and find a secluded bench to soak in the serenity. The riverside walk offers a calming soundtrack, and the diverse garden sections provide endless visual interest without being overwhelming. It’s a perfect escape to recharge and reconnect with yourself.
📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
+1Experiment with capturing the architectural details of the house, the intricate patterns of the flowerbeds, or the sweeping vistas along the river. The changing seasons offer unique lighting and color palettes, ensuring that every visit presents new creative opportunities. The gardens themselves are a work of art, reflecting a deep appreciation for design and horticulture.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of the Matthews Family
This dedication has been honored by the Taranaki Regional Council, which acquired and now maintains Tupare, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Visitors can appreciate not only the stunning plant collections but also the historical narrative woven into the fabric of the gardens. It’s a place where nature’s beauty meets human artistry and historical significance.
Exploring the Diverse Garden Sections
Each section has been thoughtfully designed, showcasing different plant palettes and landscaping techniques. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant colors of spring blooms, the rich textures of summer foliage, or the dramatic hues of autumn, Tupare offers a visual feast throughout the year. The careful curation ensures that there's always something new to admire, making each visit a fresh experience.
The Tranquil Riverside Experience
The riverside trail is well-maintained and provides opportunities to observe local birdlife and enjoy the lush greenery that lines the riverbanks. It’s a perfect spot for quiet reflection or a leisurely amble, complementing the more structured garden areas with a touch of wilder, natural charm.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit