SlideScout
Aerial view of Audrey Gale Reserve in Merrilands, New Plymouth District
Playground

Audrey Gale Reserve

259 Mangorei Road, Merrilands, New Plymouth 4312

4.5
60
visits
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Best suited to
Child5–9

What's here

ParkingPicnic tablesShadeSlideSwingsToiletsWater playSign in to add

Audrey Gale Reserve is a large riverside reserve on Mangorei Road in the Merrilands suburb of New Plymouth, with a children's play area set among much wider grounds along the Waiwhakaiho River, so it suits families combining a swing and slide stop with a longer riverside outing.

Good to know

  • HistoryAudrey Gale Reserve was originally the site of New Plymouth's borough waterworks, commissioned in 1883 to service the fast-growing town; remains of the old works are still visible in the park's far-east corner.

    Source: taranaki.co.nz

  • HistoryThe reserve was renamed in 1989 from the Old Waterworks Reserve/Merrilands Domain to honour Audrey N. Gale, New Plymouth City Councillor 1956-1977 and Parks & Recreation committee chair 1965-1977.

    Source: terangiaoaonunui.pukeariki.com

  • HistoryA memorial plaque unveiled in March 1989 records that Audrey Gale was a New Plymouth City Councillor from 1956 to 1977 and chaired the Parks & Recreation Committee from 1965 to 1977; the park was the site of the town water supply from 1883 to 1906.

    Source: terangiaoaonunui.pukeariki.com

  • AmenitiesAudrey Gale Reserve offers access to the Waiwhakaiho River for safe swimming, rock jumping and paddling, two wood-fired barbecue areas, a dog exercise area, a horse riding area, and a 9-hole flying disc/Frisbee golf course.

    Source: taranaki.co.nz

  • AccessAudrey Gale Reserve is located at 257 Mangorei Road, New Plymouth, bordered by the Waiwhakaiho River, which is valued for its native fish and trout habitat.

    Source: taranaki.co.nz

  • Handy to knowAudrey Gale Reserve's physical address is 257 Mangorei Road, New Plymouth (the record currently lists 259).

    Source: taranaki.co.nz
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From the crew

Visits

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  • Sky H.
    from Google15 Apr 2026

    Off lead dog walking. One place left in what feels like an anti dog city, that's bigger than a playground. Wonderful park with undulating grass areas, picnic spots, nice public toilets, a river with swimming spots, a large walnut tree, parking, remains of concrete structures from old works, short bush walks, disc golf, and recycling bins. Not to mention friendly locals. We need somewhere to walk our hunterway for an hour or more at a time. Because we're responsible dog owners. You can do this here exploring and enjoying a wonderful park. The council website on dog walking has a heavy focus what not to do and where not to go. The interactive map lists all the places dogs are banned or have to be on lead. But neglects listing an places that are off lead or recommend. Has someone on the council has been slighted?

    0Helpful
  • Scott D.
    from Google15 Apr 2026

    Awesome open space with large open green areas and the river walks. Nice disc golf course that seems really popular. Toilets and plenty of rubbish bins and recycling bins. Popular with dog walkers as well so a good place to take your furry mate for a run.

    0Helpful
  • M S.
    from Google15 Apr 2026

    Great spot I’ve visited on and off for 40 years. Great swimming holes and the dogs love it.

    0Helpful
  • Urban K.
    from Google15 Apr 2026

    Same place as the disk golf I reviewed gets busy but absolutely amazing place for a swim

    0Helpful
  • Ildiko T.
    from Google15 Apr 2026

    Best free disc golf course in New Plymouth

    0Helpful
  • Brett C.
    from Google15 Apr 2026

    Great fun! Not to busy. Enjoyable day with the family playing disc golf

    0Helpful
  • Stephen T.
    from Google15 Apr 2026

    Large open green spaces, frisbee golf setup, barbecue spots with a weather shelter, clean river for swimming and toilet facilities all available here.

    0Helpful
  • Ross B.
    from Google15 Apr 2026

    Amazing spot in Autumn. Lots of happy well behaved dogs having the time of their lives. Sheltered seating and frisbee golf.

    0Helpful
  • Theo
    from Google15 Apr 2026

    love coming here with the kids (dogs) to play in the river. lots of wandering dew whoch my dogs alergic to which is sad but u just gotta keep an eye out. very pretty river and nice small bits of forest. i have only had one negative …

    0Helpful
  • Alex G.
    from Google15 Apr 2026

    One of the few places where dogs can play off lead. But tends to be dominated by Disc Golf players and in the summer time family groups using BBQs. We tend to avoid going on the weekends. The river is glorious and summer swmable. Beautiful scenery and some short bush walks. If you go there please be respectful of other park users esp the dogs. If you don't like dogs don't go!!

    0Helpful

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