Last updated July 2026
Birkenhead War Memorial Park serves as a major recreation hub on Auckland’s North Shore, combining family play areas with sports facilities and the adjacent Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre. The park sits close to Birkenhead town centre, making it convenient for combining visits with local errands or cafes. It features a playground, BMX pump track, skatepark, cricket and rugby fields, walking tracks through native bush, and supporting amenities like parking and toilets. The on-site leisure centre adds an outdoor heated pool, gym, rock climbing and high ropes options. Auckland Council manages the park, which remains open daily with free access to outdoor areas.
Practical Information
| Location | Mahara Avenue, Birkenhead, North Shore, Auckland |
| Playground | For younger children; part of larger recreation site |
| BMX pump track | Yes — designed for skilled riders |
| Skatepark | Yes — revamped in 2017 with mini bowl, pyramid and ledges |
| Pool and Leisure Centre | Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre at 46 Mahara Avenue — outdoor heated pool, gym, indoor rock climbing, high ropes course |
| Sports facilities | Cricket nets and pitches, rugby fields, walking tracks |
| Facilities | Toilets and changing rooms, car park, picnic tables and seating |
| Accessibility | Main path wide, flat and concrete; accessible features noted by council |
| Cost (park and playground) | Free |
| Cost (Pool and Leisure Centre) | Fees apply for pool, gym and climbing; free swimming for under-16s and eligible seniors |
| Centre hours | Monday–Friday 6am–9pm; weekends 8.30am–6pm (last entry 15 minutes before close) |
About Birkenhead War Memorial Park
Birkenhead War Memorial Park ranks among the larger recreation reserves on Auckland’s North Shore. Its central location near Birkenhead town centre allows easy combination with shopping or dining. The park supports a wide range of activities through its mix of play, sport and nature areas, including native bush and walking tracks.
The playground caters primarily to younger children and sits alongside more challenging features like the BMX pump track and skatepark. A 2017 Auckland Council review highlighted the site’s appeal for families with children of different ages and abilities.
Native bush covers a significant portion of the park, with walking tracks providing opportunities for quieter recreation. A masterplan guides ongoing improvements to sport facilities, parking and environmental protection.
The Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre operates directly within the park setting, extending the range of activities beyond typical council park offerings. Fees apply for centre use, while the surrounding park remains free.
BMX Pump Track and Skatepark
The BMX pump track suits skilled riders, featuring rolling sections and turns that require bike-handling experience. The adjacent skatepark, revamped in 2017, includes a mini bowl, pyramid and grind ledges suitable for skateboards, scooters and BMX. The leisure centre team oversees both facilities.
Pool and Leisure Centre
The Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre provides an outdoor heated 33.3-metre pool maintained at 28°C, a fully equipped gym, indoor rock climbing walls of varying heights and difficulties, and a high ropes course. The centre also runs learn-to-swim programmes and hosts group activities. Free swimming applies for Aucklanders aged 16 and under, with additional senior concessions for Kaipātiki residents.
Sports Fields and Walking Tracks
Cricket nets and pitches plus rugby fields support organised sport and casual use. A network of walking tracks winds through areas of native bush, offering scenic and quieter options within the park. The main paths are wide, flat and concrete, improving accessibility.
What Visitors Often Say
Families appreciate the variety of activities in one location, allowing children of different ages to play simultaneously on the playground, pump track or skatepark. The native bush tracks provide a pleasant contrast to the active areas.
Visitors note the convenience of the on-site leisure centre for swimming or climbing after park time, and many value the free access to outdoor facilities combined with paid centre options.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Birkenhead War Memorial Park: official page with facility list, access details and maps.
Auckland Leisure — Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre: current hours, prices, pool schedules and climbing information.
OurAuckland — Playground review: 2017 council overview of the playground, skatepark and pump track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Birkenhead War Memorial Park?
The park is located on Mahara Avenue in Birkenhead on Auckland’s North Shore, close to the town centre.
What facilities are at the park?
It includes a playground, BMX pump track, skatepark, cricket nets and pitches, rugby fields, walking tracks, toilets, car park and picnic areas.
Is the BMX pump track suitable for beginners?
No — it is designed for skilled riders.
Does the park have a pool?
Yes — the Birkenhead Pool and Leisure Centre on site offers an outdoor heated pool plus gym and climbing facilities. Fees apply.
Is the park free to use?
The park, playground, tracks and sports fields are free. Charges apply for the pool and leisure centre.
Are there accessible features?
The main path is wide, flat and concrete. The leisure centre provides additional accessible options.
What are the leisure centre hours?
Monday to Friday 6am–9pm; weekends 8.30am–6pm, with last entry 15 minutes before closing.
Is there free swimming?
Children 16 and under swim free at Auckland council pools. Eligible seniors in the Kaipātiki area also receive free or discounted access.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.