Last updated July 2026
Olympic Park at 36 Portage Road in New Lynn is a multi-use recreation reserve in west Auckland that combines playgrounds with sporting facilities. The park was named in honour of New Zealand athletes who competed at the 1948 Olympic Games and previously known as New Lynn Domain. It features a concrete cycling velodrome, sports fields, basketball courts, a state-of-the-art playground with sandpit and climbing nets, and the 1.4 km Olympic Park Path. The park received the Outstanding Park Award from the New Zealand Recreation Association in 2017 and remains open daily with accessible facilities.
Practical Information
| Address | 36 Portage Road, New Lynn, Auckland |
| Opening hours | 7am to 9pm daily |
| Named after | NZ athletes at the 1948 Olympic Games |
| Award | Outstanding Park Award (NZ Recreation Association, 2017) |
| Playground | State-of-the-art playground with sandpit and climbing nets; recent sand play zone renewal |
| Sports facilities | Concrete cycling velodrome, basketball courts, sports fields |
| Loop path | 1.4 km Olympic Park Path on sealed concrete |
| Facilities | Toilets, car parks, picnic tables, seating, drinking fountains |
| Accessibility | Accessible pathways and facilities |
| Cost | Free |
About Olympic Park
Olympic Park serves as one of New Lynn’s key recreation reserves, offering a mix of play and active sports infrastructure on flat, accessible grounds. The park honours New Zealand’s 1948 Olympic athletes through its name and continues to support community use with open green spaces for picnics and informal play.
The main playground includes modern equipment such as a sandpit and climbing nets suitable for a range of ages, with a recent sand play zone renewal adding features like fossil uncovering. A covered stage supports community events, and a large mural adorns one of the buildings.
The concrete cycling velodrome remains a listed facility alongside basketball courts and sports fields, though it is no longer used for competitive racing. Changing rooms and toilets support sports users.
Olympic Park Path
The 1.4 km Olympic Park Path forms a sealed concrete loop around the park perimeter. The gentle, flat surface suits walkers, runners, families with prams, and wheelchair users. The path connects naturally with playground visits and provides an easy circuit for exercise or leisure.
What Visitors Often Say
Families appreciate the flat, accessible paths and variety of play equipment that keeps children engaged for extended visits. Reviewers note the park feels safe and well-maintained with good space for picnics and casual sports.
Locals describe the loop path as ideal for easy walks or runs and value the combination of playgrounds with open fields. Some mention the velodrome as an interesting historic feature even if not actively used for cycling.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Olympic Park: official page with facility details, map and access information.
Auckland Council — Olympic Park Path: details and map for the 1.4 km loop.
Auckland Council Have Your Say — Olympic Park Playground Renewal: information on recent playground upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Olympic Park?
36 Portage Road, New Lynn, Auckland.
Why is the park called Olympic Park?
It was named in honour of the New Zealand athletes who competed at the 1948 Olympic Games.
What playground facilities are available?
A state-of-the-art playground with sandpit, climbing nets and a recently renewed sand play zone.
Is there a cycling velodrome?
Yes, a concrete cycling velodrome is present on site, though no longer used for competitive racing.
What other sports facilities exist?
Basketball courts and sports fields, with supporting toilets and changing rooms.
Is there a walking path?
Yes, the 1.4 km Olympic Park Path is a sealed concrete loop suitable for walking, running and accessible use.
Has the park received any awards?
Yes, the Outstanding Park Award from the New Zealand Recreation Association in 2017.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are permitted under Auckland Council bylaws; check current rules on the council website.
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