Brooklands Zoo is a free zoo at 30 Brooklands Park Drive in Brooklands, New Plymouth. The zoo is home to capuchin monkeys, meerkats, parrots, tortoises, owls and farm animals, along with reptiles and a playground. Keepers give talks twice a day at 12pm and 2pm on weekends and during school holidays. A coffee cart on site serves real-fruit ice cream, coffee and tea on weekends and school holidays, weather permitting. Visitors may bring their own food, but must not feed the animals, and balloons, straws and party decorations are not allowed in the grounds. The zoo has wheelchair and pushchair access, two mobility parks, picnic tables and toilets. Large groups and school groups should book ahead. Entry is by the top of Brooklands Park Drive or on foot from the city centre through Pukekura Park. The website says donations go to animal care and conservation. Our pick in New Plymouth for a free family morning with the animals.