Ellerslie is a central-eastern Auckland suburb on the Southern Line — anchored by the historic Ellerslie Racecourse, the Ellerslie village shops, and a heritage residential character that gives the area a strong village feel despite being only 9 km from the CBD.
Practical Information
| Location | Central-eastern Auckland, between Greenlane and Penrose |
| Distance to CBD | ~9 km — about 15 min drive or 20 min train |
| Local board | Maungakiekie-Tāmaki / Ōrākei Local Board (depending on boundary) |
| Standout features | Ellerslie Racecourse, Ellerslie train station, heritage village strip |
| Transport | Ellerslie train station (Southern Line); SH1 motorway access |
| Character | Heritage village with strong residential character and racecourse landmark |
About Ellerslie
Ellerslie is one of central-east Auckland’s most established residential suburbs — a Victorian and Edwardian railway suburb that grew up around the original Ellerslie train station and the historic racecourse. The Ellerslie village around Main Highway retains a strong heritage character, with a sequence of preserved commercial buildings and tree-lined residential streets behind. The Southern Line train station gives 20-minute access to Britomart, making Ellerslie a popular family commuter suburb.
Ellerslie Racecourse
Ellerslie Racecourse — the home of Auckland Racing Club since 1874 — is the suburb’s defining landmark. The course hosts the Auckland Cup Carnival in March and the Boxing Day races (one of Auckland’s traditional summer racing meetings), with other meetings throughout the year. The Ellerslie Event Centre on the racecourse also hosts the annual New Zealand International Flower Show and other major events. The racecourse occupies a substantial part of the suburb’s central area.
Heritage Village and Transport
The Ellerslie village around Main Highway carries a sequence of preserved Victorian and Edwardian commercial buildings — including the historic Hotel Ellerslie and several long-established shops. The village concentrates cafes, dining and convenience retail. Ellerslie train station on the Southern Line is immediately adjacent — 20 minutes to Britomart and easy access south to Manukau and Papakura. SH1 motorway access at the Ellerslie-Panmure Highway interchange completes the strong transport picture.
Where to Learn More
Ellerslie Racecourse — official racecourse website with event calendar.
Auckland Transport — Southern Line — Ellerslie train station info.
Ōrākei Local Board — local government area covering Ellerslie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ellerslie?
Central-eastern Auckland between Greenlane and Penrose. About 9 km from the CBD.
What’s at Ellerslie Racecourse?
Home of Auckland Racing Club since 1874 — hosts the Auckland Cup Carnival (March) and Boxing Day races. Also venue for NZ International Flower Show.
What’s the train like?
Ellerslie train station on the Southern Line — 20 minutes to Britomart.
What’s the village like?
Heritage village with preserved Victorian/Edwardian commercial buildings, cafes, dining and convenience retail.
How do I drive to Ellerslie?
SH1 motorway, Ellerslie-Panmure Highway interchange.
For more central-east suburbs see Auckland Suburbs — including neighbouring Greenlane.