Bowl of Brooklands
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Bowl of Brooklands

4.8
·234 reviews·New Plymouth, New Zealand

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer evenings

Warm weather, vibrant festivals

CrowdHigh
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Bowl of Brooklands

Bowl of Brooklands

Best Time

Summer evenings

Warm weather, vibrant festivals

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.8
(234 reviews)

"Is there a better outdoor venue in Aotearoa..? If there is, I haven't yet seen it."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 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!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Amphitheatre

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

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

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Elements

The Bowl of Brooklands is an outdoor venue, so be prepared for Taranaki's famously changeable weather. Pack layers, rain gear, and sunscreen. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the grounds and potentially standing for extended periods during concerts. TikTokReddit

Book Ahead for Events

Popular concerts and festivals at the Bowl of Brooklands sell out quickly. Check event schedules and secure your tickets well in advance, especially for major acts. Consider VIP options for enhanced experiences. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Summer evenings
Why
Warm weather, vibrant festivals
Crowd
High
When
March for WOMAD
Why
World music, art, food
Crowd
High
When
Off-peak weekdays
Why
Quieter park exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

SYNTHONY throwback Thursday ⏮️ SYNTHONY performs Avicii “Wake Me Up” featuring vocals from Jeremy Redmore 🙌🏻 Emma Featherstone conducts the Synthony Orchestra at the Bowl Of Brooklands, New Plymouth. 🪄 Experience all the full length SYNTHONY performances on YouTube now! ▶️ #SYNTHONY #Avicii #WakeMeUp #Banger #EDM #LiveMusic #Orchestra
@synthonylive
3.8K likes • 70.5K views

🥾 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. TikTokReddit

☔ Be Weather-Ready

Taranaki weather is unpredictable. Pack layers, a raincoat, and sunscreen – you might need all three! Instagram

It was great seeing so many of our friends in New Plymouth! Thank you New Zealand for two incredible nights! 🇳🇿 #SlowDreamTour #MatchboxTwenty #fyp #mb20 #NZ #newzealand #tsbbowlofbrooklands #NewPlymouth
@matchboxtwenty
1.7K likes • 21.1K views
The wairua is soaring at Pukekura/Bowl of Brooklands as day one of the competition kicks off! Not fixated on the Bowl stage? Explore the @te_matatini festival marketplace for whānau fun, stalls, and kai!
taranaki_nz
366 likes • 10.6K views

🎟️ Book Tickets Early

Major concerts and festivals sell out fast. Get your tickets ASAP to avoid disappointment. Instagram

🚗 Parking Strategy

Parking can be tricky. Arrive early or consider public transport/rideshare options to avoid stress. Reddit

Bowl Of Brooklands, New Plymouth 2025. What a great start to our summer tour - see you soon Taupo + Whangarei, we’re ready to bring it 🙏
lab_music
2.8K likes • 88.8K views

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. TikTokReddit

☔ Be Weather-Ready

Taranaki weather is unpredictable. Pack layers, a raincoat, and sunscreen – you might need all three! Instagram

🎟️ Book Tickets Early

Major concerts and festivals sell out fast. Get your tickets ASAP to avoid disappointment. Instagram

🚗 Parking Strategy

Parking can be tricky. Arrive early or consider public transport/rideshare options to avoid stress. Reddit

🧺 Bring a Blanket/Chair

For general admission, blankets or low chairs are great for comfortable seating on the grass. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(234 reviews)

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

Stunning natural amphitheatre
Beautiful park setting
Iconic performance venue

What People Dislike

Stage distance for some

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Absolutely! The Bowl of Brooklands is within walking distance of New Plymouth's town centre, making it a convenient option for many visitors. Reddit

Check with local New Plymouth bus services for routes that service Pukekura Park. During major events, shuttle services might also be available. Instagram

The venue strives to be accessible. It's best to check with event organizers directly for specific accessibility arrangements and facilities. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

Yes, events often offer General Admission (GA) and VIP packages, which may include premium seating or other perks. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Re-entry policies differ per event. Many outdoor festivals and concerts do not permit re-entry once you have left the venue. Instagram

🎫 🎤 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. Reddit

The venue features natural grassed seating areas, making it a beautiful outdoor concert space. Some events may offer tiered seating options. InstagramReddit

Most events feature a variety of food trucks and vendors offering diverse culinary options. Alcohol is typically available for purchase. Instagram

Standard facilities like restrooms are available. Event organizers also provide specific amenities like first aid and information booths. Instagram

Photography and videography policies vary by event. Professional recording equipment is usually prohibited, but personal photos are generally allowed. TikTok

📸 📸 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. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted at public venues and during events due to safety and privacy regulations. Always check local bylaws and event rules. TikTok

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. TikTok

Yes, professional photography and videography often require special permits. Personal use is usually permitted, but check event-specific guidelines. TikTok

Golden hour before sunset offers beautiful lighting for the park and venue. For concerts, the stage lighting creates dramatic effects. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Bowl of Brooklands, integrated within the expansive Pukekura Park, provides an excellent setting for families. Events such as the Whānau Run are tailored for family participation, fostering a sense of community and active engagement. Instagram The adjacent park offers abundant space for children to explore and play, making it an ideal destination for a family outing, even outside of major event schedules. Instagram Consider packing a picnic to fully enjoy the natural surroundings. Instagram

🎶 Music Lovers

Music aficionados will find the Bowl of Brooklands an exceptional venue, renowned for hosting a wide spectrum of world-class artists and music festivals. Its repertoire spans orchestral concerts, rock performances, and electronic music events. TikTokInstagram+1 The natural amphitheatre design significantly elevates the live music experience, fostering an intimate connection between artists and their audience. Reddit Regularly checking event listings is recommended to catch your favorite performers and discover emerging talent at this iconic New Plymouth location. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Rich History of Performance

The Bowl of Brooklands boasts a rich history as a premier performance venue. Nestled within the picturesque Pukekura Park, this natural amphitheatre has hosted a diverse array of talent, from opera legends like Kiri Te Kanawa to contemporary music icons. Reddit Its unique setting offers exceptional acoustics and a captivating atmosphere for concerts and festivals. The adjacent Tea House provides a fascinating historical context, showcasing photos and records of past performances. Reddit

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. Instagram+1 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. Instagram

Navigating Events: Tips from Attendees

Attending an event at the Bowl of Brooklands means embracing the outdoor experience, and seasoned attendees offer valuable advice. For general admission, bringing a comfortable blanket or low-slung chair is a must for enjoying the grassy slopes. Reddit Many concert-goers recommend arriving early to secure a prime spot and to manage parking, which can become quite limited during popular events. Reddit Exploring alternatives like carpooling, public transport, or rideshare services can significantly reduce travel stress. Instagram

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. Instagram While some festivals permit outside food and non-alcoholic drinks, it's essential to verify the specific event's regulations beforehand. Instagram 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. Instagram

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