Merrilands Travel Guide
New Plymouth
Popular places to visit
Bowl of Brooklands
Enjoy the great outdoors with a picnic lunch and a bushwalk or watch a live concert at this one-of-a-kind venue set in a beautiful grass amphitheater.
Pukekura Park
Relax in the sun and see a diverse range of native and exotic plant life at one of the country’s premier botanical gardens.
Fitzroy Beach
This beautiful beach is surrounded by recreational facilities, including an 18-hole golf course, a children’s swimming pool and a grassy reserve.
Wind Wand
Be impressed by this kinetic sculpture as it drifts back and forth in the Taranaki wind on New Plymouth’s lovely coastal walkway.
Govett-Brewster Art Gallery
Discover why New Plymouth is one of New Zealand’s cultural capitals. Inspire your own creativity at this award-winning contemporary art gallery.
Brooklands Zoo
Spend some time at this delightful family-focused zoo, enjoy a picnic lunch in a welcoming setting and learn about animals from around the world.
Top hotels in Merrilands
Plymouth International
Room was clean, staff were helpful. Gym was lacking items
Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026
The Devon Hotel A Heritage Hotel
Yes
Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026
Distinction New Plymouth Hotel
Very helpful staff and great breakfasts cooked to order.
Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026
Millennium Hotel New Plymouth, Waterfront
Staff very courteous room view perfect. The microwave oven needs some warning as its position is such that the corner goes into your head when workingo
Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026
Quest New Plymouth
Nice spacious and clean room, excellent staff and free access to gym. Definitely recommended.
Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026
Flamingo Motel
Clean spacious room, comfy bed. Nice pool area and on outskirts of town. Kitchen area and bathroom need updating and room near main road meant some traffic noise.
Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Merrilands
Welbourn
If you're spending some time in Welbourn, TSB Stadium and Pukekura Park are top sights worth seeing.
Glen Avon
While Glen Avon may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Fitzroy Beach and Bowl of Brooklands.
Brooklands
If you're spending some time in Brooklands, Bowl of Brooklands and Pukekura Park are top sights worth seeing.
Strandon
While visiting Strandon, you might make a stop by sights like Fitzroy Beach and East End Reserve.
Vogeltown
Vogeltown might not have many top sights, but Bowl of Brooklands and TSB Stadium are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Upper Vogeltown
Though Upper Vogeltown may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Bowl of Brooklands and TSB Stadium.
