In the room
The experience
WOMAD Aotearoa runs every March at the Bowl of Brooklands, a natural amphitheatre cut into native bush in Pukekura Park, New Plymouth. The main stage faces a small lake and the water acts as a glassy acoustic reflector for the audience on the grassy banks rising to fern groves above. The festival has run since 2003, programmed for the Pacific WOMAD partnership and reflecting Māori and Pacific musical traditions as core not novelty. The smaller Dell Stage among the rhododendrons is where the contemplative acts play. Bring a blanket.
Insider tip
Walk in knowing
The Dell Stage among the rhododendrons is where the contemplative acts play. Bring a blanket and arrive early.
Why it fits
Why it is in the atlas
A natural amphitheatre tuned by glaciation, programmed with intention.
Plan the trip
When to go, hours, getting there
Best time to go
Annual, three days mid-March. The Bowl of Brooklands is at its most-photographed at sunset when the lake catches the western light. New Plymouth autumn climate is mild.
Hours
Annual three-day festival, mid-March. Gates open 12:00 each day, music to 23:00. Pukekura Park itself is open year-round for daytime visits.
Getting there
Fly New Plymouth (NPL), 15 minutes drive to Pukekura Park. From Auckland, 75 minutes by flight. Festival shuttles from New Plymouth town centre.
Straight from the source
Official site and tickets
Dates, line-ups and tickets come from the organiser. Opens womad.co.nz in a new tab.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Where is WOMAD Aotearoa (Bowl of Brooklands)?
WOMAD Aotearoa (Bowl of Brooklands) is in New Plymouth (Ngāmotu), New Zealand. Coordinates: -39.0667, 174.0833.
What kind of music is at WOMAD Aotearoa (Bowl of Brooklands)?
WOMAD Aotearoa (Bowl of Brooklands) programmes World, Roots, Te Ao Māori. Three-day world-music festival every March at the Bowl of Brooklands, a natural amphitheatre carved into native bush in Pukekura Park. Lake-facing main stage, audiences on grassy banks under fern groves.
When is the best time to visit WOMAD Aotearoa (Bowl of Brooklands)?
Annual, three days mid-March. The Bowl of Brooklands is at its most-photographed at sunset when the lake catches the western light. New Plymouth autumn climate is mild.
How do I get to WOMAD Aotearoa (Bowl of Brooklands)?
Fly New Plymouth (NPL), 15 minutes drive to Pukekura Park. From Auckland, 75 minutes by flight. Festival shuttles from New Plymouth town centre.
Why is WOMAD Aotearoa (Bowl of Brooklands) in the Sonic Paths atlas?
A natural amphitheatre tuned by glaciation, programmed with intention.
Stay
Book somewhere to stay nearby
Find a bed close to WOMAD Aotearoa (Bowl of Brooklands) in New Plymouth through our accommodation partner, Stay22.
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