Pukeiti features one of the world's greatest collections of rhododendrons, azaleas and other rare plants. It's set in 320ha of luxuriant rainforest on the lower slopes of Mt Taranaki that contains more than 20km of bush tracks, mountain streams, old logging lines and a waterwheel.

The gardens are run as a charitable trust whose members are dedicated to providing one of the world's great collections of rhododendrons and azaleas. The undercover Vireya rhododendron collection is world class and there are more than 10,000 shrubs set in the rainforest - a visual feast at any time of the year, but at its peak from September to November. In late October New Plymouth promotes these and other gardens as part of a Rhododendron Festival Week.

All photographs ©Nguyễn văn Tuấn