Last updated July 2026
Ben Burn Park is a community sportsground and play area on Campbell Street in Karori, Wellington. It provides open lawns, a playground, athletics facilities and changing rooms for local families and sports groups. The park is managed by Wellington City Council and offers free public access with on-site parking. It sits close to Karori’s shops and amenities, making it convenient for combined visits. Nearby Zealandia wildlife sanctuary adds another family option in the same suburb.
Practical Information
| Location | Campbell Street, Karori, Wellington |
| Access | Free entry; parking available on site |
| Key features | Play area, athletics facilities, open lawns, changing rooms |
| Sports | Football, cricket, athletics, cricket artificial surface |
| Facilities | Changing rooms, parking, picnic areas |
| Managed by | Wellington City Council |
About Ben Burn Park
Ben Burn Park serves as a multi-purpose sportsground and recreation space in central Karori. Official listings note its use for football, cricket and athletics, including a cricket artificial surface and play area. The open grassed sections support casual games, training and community activities.
The park includes a dedicated play area suitable for children. Visitor accounts frequently mention additional features such as a small maze and climbing equipment that add variety to visits. Mature trees on the site provide natural shade and informal play opportunities.
Changing rooms support organised sports use. The location near Karori shopping centre allows easy access for families combining park time with errands.
Karori Suburb Context
Karori lies at the western edge of Wellington’s urban area, approximately 4 kilometres from the city centre. It covers 6.28 square kilometres and had an estimated population of 15,100 as of June 2025, making it one of the city’s most populous suburbs. The suburb features local shops, schools and community facilities.
Zealandia, the Karori Sanctuary Experience, is located within the suburb and offers a pest-free wildlife reserve. A visit to Ben Burn Park can be combined with time at Zealandia for a varied family outing.
Sports and Recreation Facilities
Ben Burn Park supports football, cricket and athletics. The athletics facilities include space for running and field events. An artificial cricket surface provides an all-weather option alongside grass areas. Changing rooms are available for teams and users.
Open lawns accommodate informal activities such as ball games and kite flying. The park’s layout suits both organised training and casual recreation.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors appreciate the combination of playground equipment, open grass space and sports facilities in one location. Families often note the maze and climbing features as highlights for children, alongside convenient parking and proximity to local shops.
Regular users describe it as a practical spot for mixed-age groups, with space for both active play and relaxed picnics. The athletics track and fields receive mentions for training and casual sports.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council Sportsground Locations: Official list of sportsgrounds including Ben Burn Park facilities and sports codes.
Wellington City Council Play Area Locations: Directory of playgrounds across Wellington with details for Ben Burn Park.
Wikipedia Karori page: Overview of suburb history, demographics and location (citing primary sources).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ben Burn Park located?
Ben Burn Park is on Campbell Street in Karori, Wellington.
What sports are played at Ben Burn Park?
The park supports football, cricket and athletics, with a cricket artificial surface and changing rooms.
Is there a playground at Ben Burn Park?
Yes, the park includes a play area listed by Wellington City Council.
Is parking available at Ben Burn Park?
Yes, parking is available on site.
Is Ben Burn Park free to use?
Yes, entry is free for public use.
What other attractions are near Ben Burn Park?
Karori shopping centre is nearby, and Zealandia wildlife sanctuary is located in the same suburb.
Who manages Ben Burn Park?
Wellington City Council manages the park.
Are changing rooms available?
Yes, changing rooms are provided at the sportsground.
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