Last updated July 2026
Newtown Park is a multi-purpose sports stadium and reserve on Roy Street in Newtown, Wellington. It features a 400-metre all-weather athletics track surrounding a grass pitch, a grandstand, function rooms, and an adjacent children’s playground. The park is owned and managed by Wellington City Council and sits close to Wellington Zoo, offering a convenient stop for families and sports users. General access to the grounds is free, though the athletics track requires a swipe fob outside of booked times.
Practical Information
| Location | Roy Street, Newtown, Wellington |
| Hours | Generally open during daylight hours; track access subject to bookings and fob requirements |
| Admission | Free for general access to grounds |
| Facilities | 400m all-weather athletics track, grass pitch, grandstand, playground, changing rooms, toilets, function rooms (capacity 190), off-street parking |
| Track Access | Electronic fob required outside Athletics Wellington bookings; available from WCC service points |
About Newtown Park
Newtown Park serves primarily as a sports facility rather than a traditional recreational park. The 400-metre synthetic athletics track forms the centrepiece and is used by Wellington athletics clubs and schools, with Athletics Wellington coordinating summer bookings from October to March. The grass pitch inside the track hosts football matches, with Wellington United Football Club holding priority use from April to September.
The park includes a grandstand and function rooms available for hire for sports-related events, meetings, and workshops. These spaces support the various codes that use the ground and are managed directly by Wellington City Council.
A children’s playground sits adjacent to the main arena, providing a family-friendly option near the sports facilities. Its location next to Wellington Zoo on Daniell Street makes the park a practical pairing for visitors combining a zoo trip with outdoor time or informal play.
Athletics and Track Use
Athletics Wellington manages coordinated bookings for the track during the summer season, with standard training times on weekdays from 4pm to 7pm and extended weekend hours. Outside these periods, individual users need an electronic fob for gate access, which can be purchased or renewed annually at WCC locations including the Newtown Park Depot on Russell Terrace. No training is permitted on the track during scheduled competitions.
Winter use of the track is limited, with football taking priority on the arena. Athletes are expected to respect other users and priority bookings at all times.
Playground and Family Use
The Newtown Park Play Area offers play equipment suitable for children and is listed among Wellington City Council’s network of playgrounds. Picnic tables are available nearby, and the open setting allows families to combine playground time with watching sports or visiting the adjacent zoo.
What Visitors Often Say
Families appreciate the convenient playground location right next to the sports stadium and a short walk from Wellington Zoo, making it easy to combine activities in one visit to Newtown.
Local runners and athletes note that the track is accessible for public training in summer with the right fob or during club times, though bookings and football priority in winter require planning ahead.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council Sportsgrounds Bookings: Details on track access, fobs, fees and bookings for Newtown Park.
Athletics Wellington Newtown Park Access: Current training schedules, booking information and access rules for the athletics track.
Wellington City Council Newtown Park Function Rooms: Hire details, capacity and facilities for the function rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Newtown Park?
On Roy Street in Newtown, Wellington, with pedestrian access from Roy Street and nearby streets.
Is Newtown Park free to use?
Yes, general access to the park grounds and playground is free. The athletics track requires an electronic fob outside of booked sessions.
Is there a playground at Newtown Park?
Yes, the Newtown Park Play Area is located adjacent to the main sports ground.
What sports are played at Newtown Park?
Athletics on the track during summer (October to March) and football on the grass pitch in winter (April to September), with priority users for each season.
How do I access the athletics track?
An electronic fob is needed for individual access outside Athletics Wellington bookings. Fobs are available from WCC service desks, Newtown Library or the Newtown Park Depot.
Are function rooms available?
Yes, the Newtown Park Function Room can be hired for sports-related events and meetings, with capacity for 190 people.
What is nearby?
Wellington Zoo is a short walk away on Daniell Street, and the Newtown shopping area is close by.
Can I book the facilities?
Sportsground and track bookings are handled through Wellington City Council, with Athletics Wellington coordinating athletics use in summer.
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