Situated in the heart of New Plymouth, Pukekura Park was originally a barren, swampy wasteland. In the 1870’s the townsfolk developed the park under the leadership of Richard Hughes, a young lawyer. In 1934 a neighbouring property, Brooklands, was bequeathed to the People of New Plymouth. Now totalling 49 hectares Pukekura Park offers a tranquil environment, full of contrast and character. Spanning the lake is Poet’s Bridge, named not for literary reasons, but after the racehorse, The Poet. After winning money on the horse the owner subsequently donated his profits to pay for the construction of the bridge. Sadly, his body was found floating under his own bridge seven years later.