Last updated May 2026
Olympic Park at 36 Portage Road in New Lynn was named in honour of the New Zealand athletes who competed at the 1948 Olympic Games, and has received the Outstanding Park Award from the New Zealand Recreation Association. The park has two playgrounds (a large one on Wolverton Street and a smaller one on the Portage Road side), a concrete cycling velodrome, an athletics track, basketball courts, sports fields, picnic tables, a 1.4 km loop path with gentle sealed concrete surfaces, and accessible facilities throughout.
Practical Information
| Address | 36 Portage Road, New Lynn, west Auckland |
| Named after | NZ athletes at the 1948 Olympic Games |
| Award | Outstanding Park Award (NZ Recreation Association) |
| Two playgrounds | Wolverton Street side (larger — slide with steps, sand kitchen, small climbing frame in sand area); Portage Road side (smaller — slide, three swings incl. accessible basket swing, spinning egg cup) |
| Sports facilities | Concrete cycling velodrome, athletics track, basketball courts, sports fields |
| Loop path | 1.4 km loop — gentle sealed concrete, accessible throughout |
| Facilities | Toilets and changing rooms, picnic tables, seating, drinking fountains, car parks |
| Accessibility | Accessible pathways and facilities throughout the park |
| Cost | Free |
About the Park
Olympic Park is one of New Lynn’s major recreation reserves — a multi-use park combining children’s playgrounds with serious sporting infrastructure including a concrete cycling velodrome (one of the few public velodromes in Auckland) and an athletics track. The park was named in tribute to the New Zealand athletes who competed at the 1948 Olympic Games and has been recognised with the Outstanding Park Award by the New Zealand Recreation Association.
The park has two playgrounds for different age groups and contexts. The larger playground on the Wolverton Street side includes a slide with steps, a sand kitchen with cooking instructions, and a small climbing frame in the sand play area — geared to older preschoolers and younger primary kids. The smaller playground on the Portage Road side has a slide, three swings (including an accessible basket swing), and a spinning egg cup — better suited to toddlers and very young children.
Sports Facilities
Beyond the playgrounds, Olympic Park has the most comprehensive sport infrastructure of any New Lynn-area park. The concrete cycling velodrome is one of the standout features — public velodromes are uncommon in Auckland, and Olympic Park’s track is used for both casual cycling and more serious training. An athletics track, basketball courts and sports fields round out the active-recreation provision. Changing rooms are provided alongside the sports facilities.
1.4 km Loop Path
The Olympic Park Path is a 1.4 km loop around the park edge, on gentle sealed concrete surfaces that are pram- and wheelchair-accessible throughout. The path is popular with local walkers and runners as well as families looking for a flat, easy walk that combines naturally with playground or sports use.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Olympic Park — official council park page with current facility list, opening hours and access information.
Auckland Council — Olympic Park Path — the 1.4 km loop path detail page with map and access notes.
OurAuckland — Olympic Park playground review — Auckland Council’s review of the playground with photos and visitor notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Olympic Park?
36 Portage Road, New Lynn, west Auckland.
Why is it called Olympic Park?
The park was named in honour of the New Zealand athletes who competed at the 1948 Olympic Games.
How many playgrounds are at Olympic Park?
Two — a larger one on the Wolverton Street side (slide, sand kitchen, climbing frame) and a smaller one on the Portage Road side (slide, three swings including accessible basket swing, spinning egg cup).
Is there a cycling velodrome?
Yes — a concrete cycling velodrome, used for casual cycling and training. One of the few public velodromes in Auckland.
What other sports facilities are available?
An athletics track, basketball courts and sports fields. Changing rooms alongside.
Is there a walking loop?
Yes — the 1.4 km Olympic Park Path runs around the park edge on sealed concrete, accessible for prams and wheelchairs.
Has the park won awards?
Yes — the Outstanding Park Award from the New Zealand Recreation Association.
For more west Auckland playgrounds see the Playgrounds in Auckland guide.
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