Brooklands Zoo
A charming, free-entry zoo nestled in gardens, featuring monkeys, birds, and a playground for a delightful family outing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Feeding time excitement!
Brooklands Zoo
Best Time
Feeding time excitement!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, free-entry zoo nestled in gardens, featuring monkeys, birds, and a playground for a delightful family outing.
"It's a nice small zoo. The animals were sooo cute. It’s a nice place to visit with the kids."
🎯 Free Entry, Donate Generously
Brooklands Zoo is free to enter! Consider making a donation to support the animals and their care. :heart:
🐒 Preschooler Paradise
A fantastic spot for little ones, with animals and a playground to keep them entertained. :child:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Adorable Capuchin Baby
Monkey enclosure
Spot the newest tufted capuchin, Amani's baby, clinging to its mother for a heartwarming sight.
Vibrant Aviary Encounters
Aviary
Step inside the aviary and get up close with a variety of colorful birds, a truly immersive experience.
Playful Meerkats
Meerkat enclosure
Watch the energetic meerkats as they dig, play, and keep a watchful eye over their surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Big Heart
A Zoo with a View (and a Playground!)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry, Donate Generously
Brooklands Zoo is free to enter! Consider making a donation to support the animals and their care. :heart:
🐒 Preschooler Paradise
A fantastic spot for little ones, with animals and a playground to keep them entertained. :child:
☕ Garden Strolls & Treats
Explore the beautiful gardens and grab a coffee or ice cream from the teahouse. :icecream:
📸 Capture the Moments
Don't forget your camera to snap photos of the cute animals and lush surroundings. :camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry, Donate Generously
Brooklands Zoo is free to enter! Consider making a donation to support the animals and their care. :heart:
🐒 Preschooler Paradise
A fantastic spot for little ones, with animals and a playground to keep them entertained. :child:
☕ Garden Strolls & Treats
Explore the beautiful gardens and grab a coffee or ice cream from the teahouse. :icecream:
📸 Capture the Moments
Don't forget your camera to snap photos of the cute animals and lush surroundings. :camera:
🚗 Parking Time Limits
Be aware of parking time limits if you're driving to the zoo. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Brooklands Zoo's free admission and the charm of its animals, particularly the monkeys and birds. While some areas could use maintenance, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, especially for families. The zoo's integration with gardens and a playground adds to its appeal as a delightful, budget-friendly outing.
"I didn’t know it was a free entrance which is very generous! You can donate to the zoo, though! It’s a nice small zoo. Some needed attention with the maintenance, especially where the otters are situated. The animals were sooo cute. Unfortunately, we were too late to meet the Capybara as they moved him to Wellington Zoo. We were so excited to see him. It was nice to be inside the aviary, most of the birds were sleeping perched up on the trees. It was super cute. It’s a nice place to visit with the kids, it’s for all ages though. Hope you can donate when you visit 😊"
JC
"Amazing small zoo! Unexpected good experience! We are lucky to see the pigs getting fed at around 11:30. Lovely animals here and even no need for tickets"
Wangweimin Xing
"Amazing cute little zoo. Donations recommended but free entry. No cappybara when we went sadly but tons of birds and monkeys"
Brooks Soljah
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Brooklands Zoo is located in New Plymouth, accessible by car. There is ample parking available, though be mindful of time limits. Public transport options might be available; check local New Plymouth transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, there is plenty of carpark space available at Brooklands Zoo. However, visitors should be aware that there are time limits on parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Brooklands Zoo offers complimentary admission, making it a very generous and accessible attraction. While entry is free, donations are highly recommended and appreciated to support the zoo's operations and animal welfare.
No, you do not need to book tickets in advance as Brooklands Zoo has free admission. Simply arrive and enjoy your visit!
While specific hours can vary, it's generally recommended to visit during daylight hours. Many visitors report seeing animals being fed around 11:30 AM, suggesting this is a good time to aim for.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Brooklands Zoo is home to a variety of animals including monkeys, parrots, reptiles, meerkats, and more. While the capybara has been moved to Wellington Zoo, there are still many cute and lovely animals to see.
Absolutely! Brooklands Zoo is situated within beautiful gardens and also features a playground, making it a great spot for a full day out with the family.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks. Many people enjoy having a picnic in the gardens. There's also a teahouse nearby for coffee and ice cream.
Some visitors have noted that certain areas, like the otter enclosure, could benefit from maintenance. However, the overall experience is generally positive with many cute animals to observe.
Yes, Brooklands Zoo is highly recommended for preschoolers and young children. The combination of animals and a playground makes it an ideal destination for families.
📸 📸 Photography
The aviary offers fantastic opportunities for close-up shots of birds. The meerkat enclosure is also great for capturing playful moments. Don't forget to photograph the adorable baby capuchin if you're lucky enough to spot it!
Yes, photography is generally allowed within the aviary. It's a wonderful chance to get some unique shots of the birds up close.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶 Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Free Zoo Experience
This approach fosters a sense of community involvement and appreciation for the animals. It's a place where families can create lasting memories without breaking the bank, and where the focus is truly on the joy of discovery and connection with nature. The positive reviews consistently highlight the 'free entrance' as a major draw, underscoring its importance to the visitor experience.
Beyond the Animals: Gardens and Play
Adding to the family-friendly appeal is a well-equipped playground, ensuring that younger visitors have plenty of opportunities for active fun. This combination of animal viewing, garden exploration, and play facilities makes Brooklands Zoo an ideal destination for a full day out. Many recommend combining a zoo visit with a stop at the nearby teahouse for refreshments, further enhancing the relaxed atmosphere.
Animal Highlights and Recent Changes
However, the zoo continues to delight with other popular residents. The tufted capuchin monkeys are a major draw, especially with the recent arrival of a baby clinging to its mother, offering a heartwarming sight.
The meerkats are also a hit, known for their energetic antics. Furthermore, the aviary provides an immersive experience where visitors can walk amongst colorful birds, though some note that the birds can be sleepy during the day. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit