Last updated July 2026
Hataitai Park is a key suburban sportsground on Ruahine Street in Hataitai, Wellington, offering multiple playing fields and courts within the Town Belt setting. The park supports organised sports including rugby, football and softball along with casual recreation on its tennis and netball facilities. A velodrome provides dedicated space for cycling activities, while changing rooms support users. Entry to the park grounds is free. Nearby Hataitai Beach on Evans Bay Parade offers a small inner-harbour swimming spot with views across the bay.
Practical Information
| Address | Ruahine Street, Hataitai, Wellington |
| Hours | Open daily |
| Admission | Free |
| Facilities | Sports fields for rugby, football and softball; 11 tennis courts (also used for netball, seasonal); velodrome; changing rooms; parking around the park |
| Accessibility | Vehicle access may be restricted at night; check current conditions with Wellington City Council |
About Hataitai Park
Hataitai Park occupies a flat area below the Town Belt hills and serves as one of Wellington’s larger suburban sportsgrounds. It provides space for both competitive matches and informal play across a range of codes.
The velodrome stands out as a distinctive feature for track cycling, while the asphalt netball courts and tennis courts support year-round or seasonal use. Recent improvements include widening and rebuilding of the path behind the velodrome to enhance off-road commuting and recreation links.
A pavilion upgrade project is underway to improve toilet and changing facilities for park users and the wider community. The park connects into the surrounding Town Belt network, offering additional walking opportunities.
Sports Facilities and Activities
Hataitai Park hosts rugby, football and softball on its grass fields. The 11 municipal tennis courts at the park are also marked for netball and are open from Labour Weekend until the end of March. A sand court facility supports beach sports training and events following its development in 2022.
Bookings are required for some organised use of courts and fields. The velodrome caters to cycling clubs and events; contact Wellington City Council or local cycling groups for current access details.
Hataitai Beach
Hataitai Beach lies on Evans Bay Parade on the western side of Evans Bay. It is a small, picturesque inner-harbour beach suitable for swimming, set between boatsheds and the redeveloped Cog Park with yachts often moored offshore.
Changing rooms and toilets are available at the beach. Water quality is monitored seasonally; check the latest results on the LAWA website before swimming. Stair access to the sea at the public toilets has been temporarily closed for maintenance at times.
Nearby Community Facilities
Hataitai Community House and the Hataitai Centre provide spaces for local events, meetings, classes and activities. These venues operate separately from the sportsground and are managed by community organisations.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors appreciate the range of sports facilities and the convenience of multiple courts and fields in one location. Families note the playground equipment and open space for children, while cyclists value the velodrome and improved paths for commuting or training.
Beach users describe Hataitai Beach as a calm, sheltered spot for swimming close to the city, with pleasant views and easy parking nearby. Some mention occasional maintenance work affecting access to the water.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council Sportsground Locations: Details on facilities and sports available at Hataitai Park.
Wellington City Council Hataitai Beach page: Information on access, facilities and current conditions at the beach.
LAWA Hataitai Beach water quality: Up-to-date recreational water quality monitoring results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hataitai Park?
Hataitai Park is located on Ruahine Street in the suburb of Hataitai, Wellington.
Is Hataitai Park free to enter?
Yes, access to the park grounds is free.
What sports can be played at Hataitai Park?
The park supports rugby, football, softball, tennis, netball and cycling on its velodrome.
Are the tennis courts open all year?
The 11 courts are open from Labour Weekend until the end of March.
Is there a beach near Hataitai Park?
Yes, Hataitai Beach on Evans Bay Parade is a short distance away and suitable for swimming.
Are there community facilities nearby?
Hataitai Community House and the Hataitai Centre are located nearby and used for local events and activities.
Is there a playground at Hataitai Park?
Visitor accounts mention playground equipment suitable for children of various ages.
How do I check water quality at Hataitai Beach?
Current water quality results are available on the LAWA website for the Wellington region.
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