Last updated July 2026
Ellerslie is a central-eastern Auckland suburb about 7 km southeast of the city centre, known for its historic racecourse, village shops along Main Highway, and residential streets with Victorian and Edwardian character. It sits between Greenlane and Penrose, close to State Highway 1, and is served by Ellerslie railway station on the Southern and Onehunga Lines. The suburb grew as a railway and racing destination in the late 19th century and retains a strong village feel with parks, cafes, and convenient commuting options. Residents and visitors value its central location, family-friendly atmosphere, and mix of heritage and modern amenities.
Practical Information
| Location | Central-eastern Auckland, between Greenlane and Penrose |
| Distance to CBD | Approximately 7 km southeast; about 15–20 minutes by train or short drive |
| Local boards | Ōrākei Local Board and Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board (depending on boundary) |
| Standout features | Ellerslie Racecourse, Ellerslie railway station, Main Highway village centre, parks |
| Transport | Ellerslie station (Southern and Onehunga Lines); SH1 access; bus routes |
| Character | Residential heritage suburb with village shops and major racecourse landmark |
| Population (residential area, approx.) | Around 8,700–9,500 (recent estimates and 2023 census figures) |
About Ellerslie
Ellerslie developed as a railway suburb after the line from Auckland reached the area in 1873, with the station opening on 20 December that year. Early landowner and politician Robert Graham named the area after his father’s home in Elderslie, Scotland, and established a homestead and pleasure gardens that later contributed to the racecourse site. The suburb was formally established as a town district in 1908 and became a borough in 1938 before amalgamation into larger Auckland local government structures.
Today Ellerslie is largely residential, with a compact village centre on Main Highway near the Ellerslie-Panmure Highway intersection. Tree-lined streets, heritage commercial buildings, and nearby parks give it a distinct village character despite its proximity to the motorway and city. The Southern Motorway construction in the mid-20th century physically divided parts of the area but also improved road access. The suburb borders Remuera, Greenlane, One Tree Hill, Mount Wellington, and Penrose.
The Māori name associated with the racecourse site is Waiatarua (two songs), referring to sounds once heard from caves on the land. Ellerslie offers good access to employment areas, Sylvia Park shopping, and the airport, making it popular with families and commuters. Housing ranges from older villas and bungalows to more recent developments, with parks such as Ellerslie Domain and Michaels Avenue Reserve providing open space and recreation facilities.
Ellerslie Racecourse
Ellerslie Racecourse is Auckland’s premier thoroughbred racing venue and the suburb’s defining landmark. Horses have raced on the site since 1857, when Robert Graham hosted meetings on his property. The Auckland Racing Club (now part of Auckland Thoroughbred Racing) purchased land in 1872 and held its first meeting on 25–26 May 1874. The course features an undulating grass circuit of just under 1,900 metres, raced clockwise, and has hosted major events for over 150 years.
Key fixtures include Auckland Cup Week (early March), featuring the Auckland Cup and New Zealand Derby, and the summer carnival period around Christmas and New Year, including Boxing Day racing. Other notable races and events such as Champions Day and Karaka Millions take place through the season. The venue also hosts hospitality, fashion, and entertainment. A major track renovation (StrathAyr surface) saw racing pause for about 22 months before resuming in early 2024.
The racecourse address is commonly listed as 100 Ascot Avenue, Remuera, with infield parking access via 16 Derby Downs Place, Ellerslie. Free parking is available (first-come, first-served). The site once included zoological gardens and has historical associations with early totalisators, royal visits, and wartime use. Steeplechase events that formerly used the famous Ellerslie hill have moved elsewhere after land sales for housing. The Ellerslie International Flower Show began at the racecourse in 1994 but later relocated (first within Auckland, then to Christchurch in 2008) and is no longer held here.
Village Centre, Heritage and Daily Life
The Ellerslie village centre clusters around Main Highway, offering cafes, bakeries, restaurants, takeaways, convenience retail, and services. It has a pleasant, walkable character with a mix of older commercial buildings and later additions. The area recovered commercially after motorway construction disrupted earlier trade patterns, supported by nearby business parks and improved pedestrian links. Local favourites often mentioned by residents include bakeries and sandwich spots.
Heritage elements include the former Ellerslie Municipal Chambers (1926) and residential streets reflecting the suburb’s growth as a railway and racing destination. Many street names recall the Graham family. The village supports a community feel with events and everyday amenities, though larger supermarkets are a short trip away. Nearby facilities include Leicester Hall and the Ellerslie War Memorial Hall for community use, plus the Ellerslie Recreation Centre at Michaels Avenue Reserve.
Transport and Access
Ellerslie railway station sits on the Southern Line (to Waitematā / Britomart and south to Pukekohe) and the Onehunga Line. Typical off-peak services include multiple trains per hour in each direction. Journey time to the city centre is around 18 minutes. The station has an island platform, lifts for accessibility, and connections via footbridge and subway. It opened in 1873 and was rebuilt in 2011–2012; electrification followed in 2014. Bus routes also serve the station and village.
Road access is straightforward via State Highway 1 and the Ellerslie-Panmure Highway interchange. The motorway provides quick links north and south, though peak traffic can be heavy. Parking at the station is limited or unavailable; racecourse parking is free on racedays via the designated entrances. The suburb’s central position makes it convenient for airport travel and eastern or southern destinations.
Parks and Recreation
Ellerslie Domain on Main Highway and Amy Street is a large flat sports park with grassed fields, trees, a playground, tennis courts, toilets, and parking. Michaels Avenue Reserve offers a 1.6 km path, playground, fitness equipment, picnic areas, and the Ellerslie Recreation Centre with sports and community facilities. These green spaces support walking, sports, and family activities and contribute to the suburb’s livability. Other nearby open spaces include links toward Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill.
What Visitors Often Say
Residents and visitors frequently describe Ellerslie as a safe, family-friendly suburb with a genuine village atmosphere. Many praise the convenient train and bus links, central location for commuting or airport access, and the pleasant strip of cafes and shops. Parks and open spaces are appreciated for everyday recreation, and the overall feel is often called quiet and community-oriented compared with busier neighbouring areas.
People note good food options in the village, including bakeries and sandwich spots, along with easy motorway access. The racecourse is seen as a major landmark that brings events and atmosphere. While some mention nearby commercial or industrial edges and occasional transport disruptions, the consensus is that Ellerslie offers strong livability, solid schools, and a balanced residential character close to the city.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Thoroughbred Racing – Ellerslie: Official site for raceday calendars, events, hospitality, parking, and venue information.
Auckland Transport: Train and bus timetables, journey planner, and station details for Ellerslie and the Southern Line.
Wikipedia – Ellerslie, New Zealand: Overview of history, demographics, geography, and key landmarks with references to primary sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ellerslie in Auckland?
Ellerslie is a central-eastern suburb about 7 km southeast of the Auckland city centre, between Greenlane and Penrose, close to State Highway 1.
How long does the train take from Ellerslie to the city centre?
Typical journey time on the Southern Line to Waitematā (Britomart) is around 18 minutes, with frequent services.
What is Ellerslie Racecourse known for?
It is Auckland’s main thoroughbred racecourse, home to Auckland Cup Week in March, Boxing Day and summer carnival racing, and other major meetings. Racing has taken place on the site since 1857, with the Auckland Racing Club’s first meeting in 1874.
Is the New Zealand International Flower Show still held at Ellerslie?
No. The Ellerslie International Flower Show began at the racecourse in 1994, later moved within Auckland, and relocated to Christchurch in 2008. It is no longer held at Ellerslie.
What is the village centre like?
The Main Highway strip has cafes, bakeries, dining, and convenience shops with a walkable, heritage-influenced character and a community village feel.
Which local board covers Ellerslie?
Parts fall under the Ōrākei Local Board and the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board, depending on exact boundaries.
Are there parks in Ellerslie?
Yes. Ellerslie Domain offers sports fields, a playground, and tennis courts. Michaels Avenue Reserve has a walking path, playground, fitness equipment, and the recreation centre.
How do I get to Ellerslie Racecourse by car?
Use State Highway 1 and local roads. The main address is 100 Ascot Avenue, Remuera; free infield parking is accessed via 16 Derby Downs Place, Ellerslie (check accessibility notes for wheelchair access).
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