Last updated July 2026
Merrilands Domain is a sports park and riverside reserve on Mangorei Road in New Plymouth, offering soccer fields, open spaces, walking paths and access to the Waiwhakaiho River for swimming and picnics. Managed by the New Plymouth District Council, the domain includes the Merrilands Domain Hall available for community hire.
The Taranaki Regional Council monitors water quality at the river site through the LAWA programme, with results generally suitable for swimming though caution is advised after heavy rain. Visitors appreciate the convenient location near residential areas and the combination of active sports facilities with relaxed riverside recreation.
Swimming Facts
Taranaki Regional Council tests Merrilands Domain weekly from November to March. Check the latest result before you swim, and stay out of the water for 48 hours after heavy rain.
Today’s result on LAWAToday at Merrilands Domain
Thursday 15 OctoberWater quality track record
What the grades mean
Excellent and Good: rarely unsafe for swimming. Fair: usually fine, but avoid swimming after rain. Poor: often unsuitable, especially after rain, so check the latest result first.
Grades use LAWA’s method: the 95th percentile of routine E. coli results over the five summers from 2020/21 to 2024/25, with at least 50 tests (3,650 per 100 mL from 104 tests).
Practical Information
- Location
- 251 Mangorei Road, New Plymouth
- Manager
- New Plymouth District Council
- Key facilities
- Soccer fields, walking paths, public toilets, Merrilands Domain Hall (capacity 250)
- Water quality monitoring
- Taranaki Regional Council via LAWA
- Parking
- Available on site
- Hall hire
- Main hall, committee room, kitchen (no crockery), accessible toilet
About Merrilands Domain
Merrilands Domain functions primarily as a sports park with three fields used mainly for soccer, alongside open grass areas suitable for informal recreation and picnics. The site sits beside the Waiwhakaiho River, providing natural river access for swimming and water play in a setting surrounded by residential neighbourhoods and close to Audrey Gale Reserve.
The domain is managed by the New Plymouth District Council as part of its network of sports parks and reserves. Pathways support walking and casual exercise, while the adjacent Merrilands Domain Hall offers indoor space for community events and gatherings.
Water quality at the Waiwhakaiho River site is regularly tested by the Taranaki Regional Council. Results are published on the LAWA website, indicating conditions are generally suitable for swimming, although young children, the elderly or those with compromised health may face increased risk, and swimming is not recommended after heavy rainfall due to potential contamination.
Sports and Recreation
The three soccer fields form the core of the domain’s active recreation offering, supporting organised club play and casual use. Open grass areas accommodate informal games, picnics and general play, while walking paths provide scenic routes through the reserve and along the river margin.
These facilities make the domain a convenient local venue for both structured sport and relaxed outdoor activity in New Plymouth.
Swimming and Water Activities
The Waiwhakaiho River at Merrilands Domain provides a natural swimming spot popular with locals for cooling off during warmer months. Access is straightforward from the domain, with basic amenities such as toilets supporting day visits.
Swimmers should check current water quality on the LAWA website before entering the river. The Taranaki Regional Council advises avoiding the water for several days after significant rainfall to reduce health risks from runoff.
Facilities and Hall Hire
Public toilets, including an accessible facility, are available at the domain. The Merrilands Domain Hall, located at 251 Mangorei Road next to the New Plymouth Rangers Football clubrooms, features a main hall, committee room and kitchen facilities without crockery. The hall has a maximum capacity of 250 people and is available for hire through the New Plymouth District Council.
Parking is provided on site for visitors using the fields, river access or hall.
Where to Learn More
New Plymouth District Council: Details on Merrilands Domain Hall facilities, capacity and bookings.
LAWA: Current water quality results and swimming suitability for the Waiwhakaiho River at Merrilands Domain.
Taranaki Regional Council: Broader guidance on recreational water quality monitoring across Taranaki sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merrilands Domain open to the public?
Yes, the domain is a public sports park and reserve with free access for recreation, walking and river activities.
Are dogs allowed at Merrilands Domain?
Dogs are permitted under New Plymouth District Council rules; they must remain under control and owners must clean up after them. Check the council dog walking map for any specific restrictions.
Is there parking at Merrilands Domain?
Yes, on-site parking is available for visitors.
Can I hire the hall at Merrilands Domain?
Yes, the Merrilands Domain Hall is available for hire through the New Plymouth District Council. It includes a main hall, committee room, kitchen and accessible toilets with a maximum capacity of 250 people.
Is the water safe for swimming at Merrilands Domain?
Water quality is monitored and generally suitable, but conditions can change after rain. Always check the latest LAWA results before swimming.
Are there toilets at Merrilands Domain?
Yes, public toilets including an accessible facility are available on site.
What sports are played at Merrilands Domain?
The domain has three fields used primarily for soccer, with open spaces for other informal activities.
Is Merrilands Domain wheelchair accessible?
The hall includes an accessible toilet, and pathways support general access, though visitors with mobility needs should assess conditions on site.
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