Last updated July 2026
Barry Curtis Park is a 94-hectare urban park in Flat Bush, southeast Auckland, developed on former farmland as one of the largest purpose-built parks in New Zealand in over a century. The first stage opened in April 2009, with the park designed around restored wetlands and streams in the Otara Creek catchment. It features extensive paved paths, playgrounds, sports facilities, and open spaces that attract families, runners, cyclists, and dog walkers from across south and east Auckland. Recent upgrades include a new destination playground completed in late 2025.
Practical Information
| Location | Flat Bush, southeast Auckland — main entrances off Chapel Road, Stancombe Road, and Flat Bush School Road |
| Entry | Free |
| Car park gate hours | 7am–8:30pm (daylight saving) | 7am–6:30pm (winter) |
| Main path | John Walker Promenade, approximately 3 km paved loop |
| Facilities | Toilets and changing rooms, playgrounds, skate ramp, basketball court, sports fields, drinking fountains, picnic tables, car parks (including mobility spaces) |
| Dogs | Must be on leash at all times |
| Managed by | Auckland Council |
About Barry Curtis Park
Barry Curtis Park was created as a centrepiece for the growing Flat Bush community and named after Sir Barry Curtis, a long-serving mayor of the former Manukau City. The park incorporates ecological restoration of the Otara Creek catchment, with stormwater management, native plantings, and fish ladders to support aquatic habitats. It forms part of a broader network of green spaces aligned with local streams.
The park offers flat, accessible terrain suitable for a range of activities. Wide paved paths connect open grass areas, sports fields, and wetland zones, making it popular for casual recreation and organised events. Multiple car parks provide convenient access from surrounding roads, with gates operating on seasonal hours.
Recent infrastructure improvements have enhanced visitor facilities, including upgraded buildings near the wetlands and additional seating and shade. The park remains open daily, with all areas smokefree and alcohol restrictions applying in line with Auckland Council bylaws.
Playground and Sports Facilities
Barry Curtis Park features an ecologically themed playground near the Stancombe Road entrance, recently upgraded to a major destination playground with a range of play options for children of all ages and abilities. The new facility, which opened in late 2025 following construction that began in early 2025, has received awards for its design and community value.
Sports fields along Flat Bush School Road support organised games and casual use, while a skate ramp and basketball court are accessible from Chapel Road. Accessible toilets and changing rooms are located at several points, and picnic tables are scattered throughout the park for family use.
Walking and Cycling Paths
The John Walker Promenade forms the main fully paved loop around the park’s perimeter and wetland areas, providing a flat, smooth route ideal for walking, jogging, cycling, and rollerblading. Drinking fountains are positioned along the path, including near the skate park and on the promenade itself. Side paths and boardwalks offer additional options for exploring the interior of the park.
The park hosts a free, untimed 5 km parkrun every Saturday morning, starting near the Stancombe Road playground. It also serves as a training route for local running and cycling groups. The paths are suitable for prams and wheelchairs in most sections.
Wetland and Ecology
The restored Otara Creek wetland runs through the centre of the park, supporting native vegetation and providing habitat for wetland birds such as pūkeko and kererū. Boardwalk sections and side trails allow visitors to access the wetland edges from the main paths while minimising disturbance to the environment.
The design integrates stormwater management with ecological goals, including fish ladders to maintain habitat connectivity. Native plantings enhance biodiversity and offer educational opportunities about local ecosystems.
What Visitors Often Say
The park is praised as an excellent family destination with a well-designed playground, easy flat paths around the wetland, and good maintenance of facilities including toilets and drinking fountains.
Visitors highlight the convenience for regular exercise, noting the smooth paved loop is perfect for runs or bike rides, with useful amenities like fountains along the route and space for all fitness levels.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Barry Curtis Park: Official details on facilities, access points, opening hours, and park rules.
Parkrun Barry Curtis: Information on the free weekly 5 km event, including course details and registration.
Wikipedia — Barry Curtis Park: Background on development history and design features with references to primary sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Barry Curtis Park?
The park is located in Flat Bush, southeast Auckland, with main entrances off Chapel Road, Stancombe Road, and Flat Bush School Road.
How long is the main walking path?
The John Walker Promenade is an approximately 3 km paved loop around the park perimeter, suitable for walking, running, and cycling.
Is Barry Curtis Park free to enter?
Yes, entry is free. Car parks are also free during gate hours of 7am–8:30pm in daylight saving and 7am–6:30pm in winter.
Are dogs allowed at Barry Curtis Park?
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times throughout the park.
Is there a parkrun at Barry Curtis Park?
Yes, a free untimed 5 km parkrun is held every Saturday morning. Registration is required before the first run via the parkrun website.
What playground facilities are available?
The park has an ecologically themed playground near Stancombe Road, recently upgraded to a destination playground with diverse play options, plus sports fields, a skate ramp, and basketball court.
Are the paths accessible?
The main paths are flat and paved, making them suitable for prams and wheelchairs in most areas, with accessible toilets available.
What is the wetland area like?
The restored Otara Creek wetland features native plantings, boardwalks, and habitat for birds such as pūkeko and kererū, accessible via side trails from the main paths.
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