New Plymouth packs plenty of bowling into one coastal city. There’s a modern tenpin alley for families and league players, plus a strong network of lawn bowls clubs — Taranaki has a particularly deep bowls tradition, with New Plymouth’s own club dating back to 1885.
Whether you want a glow-bowling night out or a green to join, here’s where to bowl in New Plymouth.
Tenpin Bowling in New Plymouth
New Plymouth’s tenpin scene centres on one well-equipped family entertainment venue that also runs proper leagues for regular players.
Bowlarama
- Where: 188 Devon Street West, New Plymouth 4310
- Lanes: 16 (AMF equipment)
- Food & drink: Licensed bar, non-alcoholic beverages
- Also: 18-hole black-light mini golf, laser tag, arcade games, pool, air hockey; glow bowling Fri/Sat evenings; junior, social, competitive & seniors’ leagues
- Web: bowlaramanp.co.nz · Phone: 06 757 8169
Read our review of Bowlarama.
Lawn Bowls Clubs in New Plymouth
Lawn bowls runs deep in Taranaki. New Plymouth has several established clubs welcoming casual players, beginners and competitive bowlers, all under the regional body Bowls Taranaki. Below is a selection of the city’s clubs.
New Plymouth Bowling Club
- Where: 157 Brooklands Road, Brooklands, New Plymouth (Dean Park)
- Greens: 2 (one natural, one artificial)
- History: Established 1885 (the club’s own site cites 1892) — one of New Zealand’s oldest clubs
- Members & play: All ages and skill levels; Bowls3Five Twilight League, coaching and a Rangatahi (youth) programme; casual and competitive
- Also: Clubhouse, licensed bar, kitchen, Sky TV, darts, pool table, BBQ area, wheelchair access; function/venue hire
- Web: bowlsnewplymouth.co.nz · Phone: 06 758 3406 · Email: [email protected]
Read our review of New Plymouth Bowling Club.
West End Bowling Club
- Where: 101 Cutfield Road, Westown, New Plymouth 4310
- Greens: 3 natural greens
- History: Established 1910 — one of the largest bowling clubs in Taranaki
- Members & play: Casual and competitive; coaching available; various playing and casual memberships
- Also: Clubhouse, licensed bar, kitchen, Sky TV, darts, pool table, BBQ area, wheelchair access; functions and facility hire
- Web: westendbowlsnewplymouth.co.nz · Phone: 06 758 0089 · Email: [email protected]
Read our review of West End Bowling Club.
Paritutu Bowling Club
- Where: 445 St Aubyn Street, Moturoa, New Plymouth 4310
- Greens: 3 natural Maniototo greens plus a 6-rink indoor carpet stadium (year-round play)
- History: Over a century old; one of Taranaki’s most established clubs
- Members & play: All skill levels, casual to competitive; coaches on staff
- Also: Indoor stadium is a rare feature in NZ — bowling continues rain or shine; new members welcomed
- Web: paritutubowls.co.nz · Phone: 06 758 0662 (office 06 758 3997) · Email: [email protected]
Read our review of Paritutu Bowling Club.
Waimea Bowling Club
- Where: 29A Waimea Street, Westown, New Plymouth 4310
- Greens: 1 natural green
- History: Established in the early 1950s to serve the Westown area
- Members & play: Casual and competitive; welcomes new members, guests and groups wanting to give bowls a go
- Also: Clubrooms with licensed bar, darts, pool table, BBQ area; wheelchair access
- Web: waimeabowls.co.nz · Phone: 06 753 3773 · Email: [email protected]
Read our review of Waimea Bowling Club.
Recommended For
- Best for families & kids: Bowlarama — bumpers and ramps for little ones, plus mini golf, laser tag and arcade games under one roof.
- Best for a night out: Bowlarama’s glow bowling on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Best for joining a league (tenpin): Bowlarama runs junior, social, competitive and seniors’ leagues.
- Best for lawn bowls & improving: New Plymouth Bowling Club and Paritutu Bowling Club, both long-established with beginner guidance; contact Bowls Taranaki for coaching pathways.
- Best for a social club atmosphere: Waimea Bowling Club, with its bar and dart boards in the clubrooms.
Getting There & Practical Tips
- Booking: For Bowlarama, book ahead on evenings, weekends and during school holidays.
- Parking: Bowlarama is on Devon Street West, close to the central city; most bowls clubs have on-site or street parking.
- Glow bowling hours: Bowlarama runs glow bowling from 7pm in winter and 8pm in summer on Fri/Sat — worth checking before you go.
- Lawn bowls: Clubs run casual sessions and club days; phone ahead, as greens may be booked for Bowls Taranaki competitions.
- Accessibility: Several New Plymouth clubs (including New Plymouth and West End) have wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go tenpin bowling in New Plymouth? Bowlarama on Devon Street West is the city’s tenpin venue, with 16 lanes plus mini golf, laser tag and an arcade.
Does New Plymouth have lawn bowls clubs I can join? Yes — several, including New Plymouth Bowling Club (Brooklands), West End (central), Paritutu and Waimea (Westown). All welcome new members, and most offer guidance for beginners.
Where can I bowl on a rainy day in New Plymouth? Bowlarama is fully indoor, making it the go-to wet-weather option, with bowling, mini golf, laser tag and arcade games all under cover.
Which New Plymouth venue is best for a kids’ party? Bowlarama caters well to children, with bumper lanes, ramps and a mix of activities to keep groups entertained.
How do I find out about bowls competitions in Taranaki? Bowls Taranaki is the regional body and lists club information, results and events; individual clubs also run their own social and competitive play.