Rotokare / Barrett Reserve
Not to be confused with the Lake Rotokare
Rotokare/Barrett Reserve is a suburban paradise in New Plymouth. At a mere 36 hectares, this reserve packs a lot of punch. A series of walking tracks, one of the largest Kauri plantations outside of their natural distribution, a wetland, and some of the most spectacular bird song one could imagine.
The walks are divided into two tracks.
Fred Cowling walk: A well-graded benched track through a 2 ha Kauri forest planted by its namesake in the 1940s, with the land being donated to the city.
Rayward walk: An original strand of bush that survived European settlement and a wildfire in the area in 1888, which burned over 1,000 ha. This track is off camber in places, with many tree roots and undulations.
Date of visit: October 2025
Wildlife: 1
Scenic: 1
History / Points of interest: 1/2
Quiet / Relaxed: 1/2
Visit again: 1
Visit again: 1
Smiles per Hour rating: 4