Brooklands Zoo — Attraction in North Island

This is not a must-do but if you're staying in New Plymouth for a few days and want to go for a walk, the zoo is a good place to start, then you can wander in the park. It is free and there is a playground for kids. The zoo has many animals, exotic mammals, monkeys, birds. Most of them are kept in pens/ cages with a glass to look through. The alpacas, capybara and some others don't have the glass.

I enjoyed the zoo until I saw the Alpacas pens. No grass, mostly gravel. Small enclosure. One of the 3 alpacas was going in circles. Quite sad seeing that. Maybe there is another space for them that the public doesn't see. I hope. I'm sure that they are well treated by the staff but they most probably deserve more space...

I had a great afternoon here on a very warm & sunny day... in late August! It's still free admission to all which makes a nice change, considering how expensive it is to visit other attractions. The variety of animals is outstanding - my favourites are the tortoises which I weren't expecting to see! - & many different species of birds who never disappoint with their cheeky antics. The only slight criticism I have is that some areas were in need of a clean/tidy up, especially close to where the pigs are housed. Overall though, it was so joyful reminiscing how the Zoo used to look when I was much younger & the wonderful...

Arrived at 1:40 pm on a Sunday. It's such a nifty little conservation zoo with free entry (although there is a donation box with no obligation). It has a picnic area and playground for young kids, there's plenty to do from visiting monkeys, walking through the bird Avery or even just looking at the reptiles. Saw a lot of zoo Keepers busy making sure everything was ship shape and happy for the animals, one keeper talked to me about skinks and lizards, what to watch out for Pest wise (after she brought out the legless lizard which I jumped thinking it was a snake 🤦‍♀️). So bring the kids or just yourself....