Brooklands Zoo

In a picturesque corner of New Plymouth lies a real gem for family recreation — Brooklands Zoo. This is a cozy children's zoo with free admission, located within the park of the same name. New Zealand is famous for its careful treatment of nature, and this site is excellent proof of that.

Brooklands Zoo. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The zoo offers visitors a unique way to interact with the animal world. Here you can meet charming meerkats, various birds in spacious aviaries, and friendly farm residents. Thanks to its high rating (4.7) and many positive reviews, the place is considered a must-visit for tourists with children.

In addition to meeting the fauna, guests can enjoy walks through the park's green areas with lakes where black swans swim gracefully. The well-thought-out infrastructure, including convenient parking and relaxation areas, makes a visit as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

To clarify details before your visit, you can contact the administration or visit the park's official website. The facility is managed by the city council, which ensures a high level of care for the grounds and its inhabitants.

The main pleasure at Brooklands Zoo is the opportunity for interactive communication with its inhabitants. Children are delighted by the farmyard, where they can pet some animals and learn more about rural life. Watching active meerkats and vibrant tropical birds in their aviaries turns an ordinary walk into an exciting educational adventure.

The surrounding park area offers no less entertainment. You can go for a hike along the trails leading to the lakes or admire the black swans. Nearby is the famous "Bowl of Brooklands" — an open-air amphitheater where concerts are often held. During the summer, the park is transformed by festivals of light: the night-time illumination creates a truly magical atmosphere.

It's an ideal spot for a proper family picnic. After visiting the zoo, you can stop by the botanical gardens, see the historic water wheel, or simply relax on the emerald lawns. Thanks to the variety of locations — from animal enclosures to picturesque waterfalls — it's easy to spend a whole day here, enjoying the peace and beauty of nature.

Brooklands Zoo is located at 30 Brooklands Park Drive, in the suburb of the same name on the southern edge of the city. The drive from central New Plymouth will take no more than 5–10 minutes. For visitors with their own transport, convenient free parking is provided right at the park entrance.

If you prefer public transport, buses run regularly towards the Brooklands suburb. After getting off at the correct stop, a short, pleasant walk to the park gates awaits you. You can also reach the zoo by taxi, which is a quick and inexpensive solution given its proximity to the center.

For lovers of outdoor activities and walking, a great option is the route from the famous Coastal Walkway. Pedestrian and cycling paths lead directly to the park area, allowing you to combine a visit to the zoo with a tour of the city's picturesque surroundings.

The history of this place is inextricably linked with the development of Brooklands Park itself, which officially opened its doors to the public on January 28, 1928. From the very beginning, the area was intended as an oasis of peace and natural beauty. An important milestone was a donation from the Brookland estate in 1934, which allowed for a significant enrichment of the local flora with rare ferns and exotic plants.

The Brooklands Zoo itself appeared on the city map later — in 1965. It was created as an accessible space where the younger generation could get a close look at the animal world. Since then, the zoo has become a favorite spot for generations of New Zealanders, maintaining its cozy and educational atmosphere.

Interestingly, some features in the park are even older than the zoo itself. For example, the display houses with collections of orchids and ferns were established back in 1927. Today, the park and zoo are recognized as important local heritage sites, harmoniously combining botany, zoology, and the history of the Taranaki region.

To leisurely walk around all the enclosures and interact with the zoo's residents, 1–2 hours is usually sufficient. This time is enough to watch the meerkats, visit the farm animals, and observe the colorful birds.

However, if you are planning a full family trip, it's better to set aside about 3 hours. The Brooklands Park area is perfect for long walks by the lakes and picnics in the fresh air. Extra time will allow children to play to their heart's content on the playgrounds and enjoy the surrounding nature without any rush.

Brooklands Zoo is open to guests daily, making it easy to include in any travel itinerary. The opening hours are consistent throughout the week, including weekends and public holidays.

Opening hours: daily from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Please note that entry to the grounds stops shortly before closing, so it is recommended to arrive early.

A visit to the zoo can easily be combined with a stroll through the surrounding park, which is literally dotted with interesting architectural and natural sites. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to dive deeper into the history and atmosphere of this area.