Last updated July 2026
When you visit Brooklands Park in New Plymouth, you step into a historic estate that forms part of the larger Pukekura Park. The area began as Captain Henry King’s model farm in 1842 and later became public land gifted to the council in 1934. Today it combines formal gardens, lakes, the natural amphitheatre known as the Bowl of Brooklands, and the free Brooklands Zoo with its playground. Visitors enjoy walking tracks, events, and family activities within the 52-hectare park that sits in the heart of the city.
Practical Information
| Location | Brooklands Park Drive, New Plymouth, within Pukekura Park |
| Park size | 52 hectares |
| Entry | Free |
| Opening hours | Park open daily; Brooklands Zoo 9:30am–4:00pm |
| Parking | Free street parking at multiple entrances |
| Dogs | Permitted on leash in most areas; restricted near playgrounds and zoo |
| Accessibility | Paths and some facilities wheelchair accessible |
| Facilities | Playgrounds, tea house, boat hire on lakes, picnic areas |
About Brooklands Park and Pukekura Park
Brooklands Park occupies the former Brooklands farm established by Captain Henry King in 1842 as a model farm for the New Zealand Company. The farmhouse was destroyed by fire during the First Taranaki War in 1861, but the chimney ruins remain visible today as a historic feature.
The land passed into public ownership when the Newton and Mary King trustees gifted the estate to the New Plymouth Borough Council in 1934. The homestead was later removed and the main entrance gates were built in 1938. Brooklands now forms the southern garden estate section of Pukekura Park.
Pukekura Park itself began in 1876 as the Recreation Ground on 21.85 hectares of gully land. It was renamed Pukekura Park in 1907 and grew through additions of Brooklands and Maranui Gully in the 1930s, reaching its current 52 hectares after a 2004 purchase. The park holds Garden of National Significance status and has received a Green Flag award for its management.
The combined area offers lakes, formal gardens, native forest remnants, a cricket ground, and the Bowl of Brooklands amphitheatre. It serves as a central recreational and cultural space for New Plymouth residents and visitors.
Walking Tracks and Trails
Pukekura Park contains a network of paths suitable for walking and jogging. The popular Pukekura Park Loop is an easy 2.9-mile circuit that takes about one hour and passes lakes, gardens, and bridges.
Additional tracks wind through the fernery, display houses, and Brooklands sections, offering varied terrain from flat lakeside paths to gentle slopes. Guided walks, including fortnightly Wanderers’ Walks organised by the Friends of Pukekura Park, are available on request.
The trails connect with the wider New Plymouth walking network, including links toward the Coastal Walkway, making the park a convenient starting point for longer outings.
Brooklands Zoo and Playground
Brooklands Zoo opened in 1965 and remains free to enter. It houses exotic mammals, farmyard animals, reptiles, birds, meerkats, capuchin monkeys, and otters. Keepers deliver talks on weekends and school holidays.
Adjacent outdoor areas include a playground and picnic spots, making the zoo a popular family destination. The facility sits within Brooklands Park and can be reached on foot from the city centre through Pukekura Park or by car via Brooklands Park Drive.
Donations support animal care and enrichment programmes. The zoo operates daily from 9:30am to 4:00pm.
The Bowl of Brooklands
The Bowl of Brooklands is a natural amphitheatre within Pukekura Park with a capacity of 15,000. It opened in 1958 and has hosted major concerts and festivals, including WOMAD New Zealand and performances by artists such as Fleetwood Mac and Sir Elton John.
The lakeside setting provides excellent acoustics and scenic views. The venue remains a key cultural space for New Plymouth, supporting both international events and local community gatherings.
What Visitors Often Say
Families appreciate the free zoo, playground, and relaxed atmosphere for a full day out with children. Many note the variety of animals and the chance to combine a visit with park walks and lake views.
Walkers and event-goers praise the well-maintained paths, beautiful gardens, and the impressive scale of the Bowl for concerts. Reviewers often highlight the peaceful lakeside setting and easy access from the city centre.
Where to Learn More
New Plymouth District Council – Pukekura Park: Official pages with maps, history, features, and visiting information.
New Plymouth District Council – Brooklands Zoo: Current opening hours, animal information, and donation details.
New Plymouth District Council – Pukekura Park History: Detailed timeline of park development and expansions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brooklands Park the same as Pukekura Park?
Brooklands Park forms the southern garden estate section of the larger Pukekura Park, which covers 52 hectares in total.
Are dogs allowed in Brooklands Park?
Dogs are permitted on a leash in most areas but are restricted from playgrounds, the zoo, and certain other zones.
What are the opening hours for Brooklands Zoo?
The zoo is open daily from 9:30am to 4:00pm, with the surrounding park accessible for longer hours.
Is there parking at the Bowl of Brooklands?
Free street parking is available at multiple entrances around Pukekura Park and Brooklands.
Can visitors hire boats on the lakes?
Rowboats are available for hire on the main lake during suitable weather and operating hours.
Are guided walks offered in the park?
The Friends of Pukekura Park run fortnightly Wanderers’ Walks and can arrange buggy tours on request.
What events take place at the Bowl of Brooklands?
The venue hosts concerts, WOMAD New Zealand, the Festival of Lights, and other cultural and community events throughout the year.
Is the park suitable for wheelchairs?
Many paths and facilities, including parts of the zoo and main routes, are accessible, though some steeper or natural sections may be more challenging.
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