
Bowl of Brooklands
An iconic natural amphitheatre in New Plymouth, hosting world-class concerts and festivals amidst the beauty of Pukekura Park.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm weather, vibrant festivals

Bowl of Brooklands
Best Time
Warm weather, vibrant festivals

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic natural amphitheatre in New Plymouth, hosting world-class concerts and festivals amidst the beauty of Pukekura Park.
"Is there a better outdoor venue in Aotearoa..? If there is, I haven't yet seen it."

🥾 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! Grass seating means you might be on your feet a lot.
☔ Be Weather-Ready
Taranaki weather is unpredictable. Pack layers, a raincoat, and sunscreen – you might need all three!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Amphitheatre
Main performance area
A stunning natural amphitheatre carved into the landscape, offering unique acoustics and breathtaking views for concerts and festivals.

Pukekura Park Adjacent
Next to the Bowl
Explore the lush Pukekura Park, featuring walking trails, a serene lake, and the charming Tea House, perfect for a pre- or post-event stroll.

Diverse Event Lineup
Throughout the year
From international music acts and local festivals to community fun runs, the Bowl hosts a vibrant array of events catering to all tastes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Book Ahead for Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! Grass seating means you might be on your feet a lot.
☔ Be Weather-Ready
Taranaki weather is unpredictable. Pack layers, a raincoat, and sunscreen – you might need all three!
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Major concerts and festivals sell out fast. Get your tickets ASAP to avoid disappointment.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking can be tricky. Arrive early or consider public transport/rideshare options to avoid stress.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! Grass seating means you might be on your feet a lot.
☔ Be Weather-Ready
Taranaki weather is unpredictable. Pack layers, a raincoat, and sunscreen – you might need all three!
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Major concerts and festivals sell out fast. Get your tickets ASAP to avoid disappointment.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking can be tricky. Arrive early or consider public transport/rideshare options to avoid stress.
🧺 Bring a Blanket/Chair
For general admission, blankets or low chairs are great for comfortable seating on the grass.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Bowl of Brooklands as a unique and beautiful outdoor concert venue, highlighting its natural amphitheatre setting and integration with Pukekura Park. Some attendees note that the distance from the stage can sometimes impact the audience connection during performances.
"There is no other concert venue like this that I know of. If you do see a show there, I suggest you spend a bit more time to check out the walks and the lake next door at Pukekura Park. And of course this is all walking distance to town."
Ivan Walker
"Lovely place for a concert but might be great if they have a ‘bridge’ in the middle from the stage to people watching to make a better connection. Even Rob Thomas and John Rzeznik, said that ‘you guys are so far away’ 😉"
Tanti Agustin
"We attended the Rock the Bowl and what a great venue with its natural amphitheatre and lovely grassed seating area"
Karen Cave
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bowl of Brooklands is located within Pukekura Park in New Plymouth. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby, though it can fill up quickly during events. Public transport and rideshare services are also good options.
Yes, parking is available in the vicinity of the Bowl of Brooklands. However, for major events, it's highly recommended to arrive early or explore alternative transport methods as parking can become limited.
Absolutely! The Bowl of Brooklands is within walking distance of New Plymouth's town centre, making it a convenient option for many visitors.
Check with local New Plymouth bus services for routes that service Pukekura Park. During major events, shuttle services might also be available.
The venue strives to be accessible. It's best to check with event organizers directly for specific accessibility arrangements and facilities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are typically sold through official event websites and authorized ticketing platforms. Keep an eye on social media and event announcements for links.
Yes, events often offer General Admission (GA) and VIP packages, which may include premium seating or other perks.
The Bowl itself is primarily an event venue. Pukekura Park, where it's located, has its own opening hours, but access to the Bowl is restricted to event times.
This varies by event. Some festivals allow outside food and non-alcoholic drinks, while concerts may have stricter policies. Always check the specific event's conditions of entry.
Re-entry policies differ per event. Many outdoor festivals and concerts do not permit re-entry once you have left the venue.
🎫 🎤 Onsite Experience
For general admission, bring a blanket or low chair to relax on the grass. For a better connection, some suggest the venue could improve stage-to-audience interaction.
The venue features natural grassed seating areas, making it a beautiful outdoor concert space. Some events may offer tiered seating options.
Most events feature a variety of food trucks and vendors offering diverse culinary options. Alcohol is typically available for purchase.
Standard facilities like restrooms are available. Event organizers also provide specific amenities like first aid and information booths.
Photography and videography policies vary by event. Professional recording equipment is usually prohibited, but personal photos are generally allowed.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the sweeping views of the amphitheatre from the top, or get closer to the stage for dynamic concert shots. The surrounding Pukekura Park also offers picturesque backdrops.
Drone usage is typically restricted at public venues and during events due to safety and privacy regulations. Always check local bylaws and event rules.
A versatile lens that can handle both wide shots of the venue and closer shots of performers is ideal. Consider a camera with good low-light performance.
Yes, professional photography and videography often require special permits. Personal use is usually permitted, but check event-specific guidelines.
Golden hour before sunset offers beautiful lighting for the park and venue. For concerts, the stage lighting creates dramatic effects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎶 Music Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Rich History of Performance
This iconic New Plymouth venue has evolved significantly, welcoming everything from international music festivals like WOMAD and Rock the Bowl to community events and even sporting activities such as the Whānau Run. Its ability to adapt to various event types has solidified its reputation as a key entertainment destination in the Taranaki region. The seamless blend of the Bowl's performance space with the natural beauty of Pukekura Park creates a truly memorable experience for all who visit.
Navigating Events: Tips from Attendees
Given Taranaki's reputation for variable weather, packing layers, a waterproof jacket, and sunscreen is highly advisable, as you might encounter diverse conditions throughout the day. While some festivals permit outside food and non-alcoholic drinks, it's essential to verify the specific event's regulations beforehand. Familiarizing yourself with the venue's layout and any event-specific rules or restrictions prior to your arrival will contribute to a more seamless and enjoyable experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit