Last updated May 2026
The Hutt Valley Thunderbolts BMX Club has been racing since 1982 from McLeod Park in Upper Hutt. Based at McLeod Park on McLeod Street, the club offers BMX racing and training during the BMX season, with casual riding continuing through winter as weather allows. It is one of the main BMX facilities for riders in Upper Hutt and the wider Hutt Valley.
Practical Information
| Location | McLeod Park, 52 McLeod Street, Upper Hutt |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Off SH2 — take the Gibbons Street exit, first right at the roundabout onto McLeod Street, then continue about 500m to the McLeod Park entrance on the right |
| Club days | Every fine Tuesday evening during summer, September–May; registration from 5:15pm to 6:00pm, with racing from about 6:30pm after track inspection, warm-up and gate practice |
| Club | Hutt Valley Thunderbolts BMX Club, racing since 1982 |
| Affiliation | BMX New Zealand |
About the Club
The Hutt Valley Thunderbolts BMX Club has been part of Upper Hutt’s sporting community since 1982. The club races and trains during the BMX season from September through to April or May, with casual sessions through winter when conditions allow.
Club race days are generally held on fine Tuesday evenings during summer. Registration opens at 5:15pm and closes at 6:00pm. After track inspection, warm-up and gate practice, racing starts at about 6:30pm. The club day format usually follows a standard event-style structure, with five motos for riders. Club racing is usually organised by ability rather than strict age group, helping new and experienced riders race in suitable groups.
The club welcomes a wide range of riders, from young children on balance bikes through to older riders. New riders can come along and try BMX before committing to full membership, with the club offering a “have a go” option for up to three club days before joining and obtaining a BMXNZ race licence.
The track is on public land and is available for riding outside club events. Riders are asked to use bicycles only on the track, as motorbikes and RC cars can damage the surface. Helmets are recommended at all times, and standard safety gear is required on club days.
McLeod Park
McLeod Park is located in Elderslea, Upper Hutt, and runs between McLeod Street and River Road. Upper Hutt City Council describes it as a large green space with community clubrooms and wide open areas. The park also connects to Riverbank Park and Whakatiki Park via the stopbank walkway, making it part of a wider local recreation area.
Getting There
The BMX track is located at McLeod Park, McLeod Street, Upper Hutt. From SH2, take the Gibbons Street exit and turn right at the roundabout onto McLeod Street. Continue for about 500 metres; the park entrance is on the right.
Upper Hutt is approximately 30 kilometres north of Wellington. Visitors can drive via SH2 or use the Metlink Upper Hutt Line to reach Upper Hutt, then continue to McLeod Park by local transport, bike or a short onward trip.
Where to Learn More
Hutt Valley Thunderbolts BMX — Sporty.co.nz — club information, race schedule, training details and membership information.
BMX New Zealand — Find a Club — national club directory including Hutt Valley Thunderbolts and other affiliated clubs.
McLeod Park — Upper Hutt City Council — council information about McLeod Park.
FAQ
Where is the Hutt Valley Thunderbolts BMX track?
The track is at McLeod Park, 52 McLeod Street, Upper Hutt. From SH2, take the Gibbons Street exit, turn onto McLeod Street, and continue about 500 metres to the McLeod Park entrance on the right.
When does the club race?
Club race days are held every fine Tuesday evening during summer, from September to May. Registration runs from 5:15pm to 6:00pm, with racing from about 6:30pm after track inspection, warm-up and gate practice.
Can beginners try BMX before joining?
Yes. New riders can try BMX through the club’s “have a go” option for up to three club days before joining the club and obtaining a BMXNZ race licence.
Is safety gear required?
Yes. Helmets are recommended at all times, and standard safety gear is required on club days. Bikes are also checked as part of club day safety requirements.
Can the track be used outside club events?
Yes. The track is on public land and can be ridden outside club events. Only bicycles should be used on the track, as motorbikes and RC cars can damage the surface.
How do I get to Upper Hutt by train?
Take the Metlink Upper Hutt Line from Wellington Station to Upper Hutt, then continue to McLeod Park by local transport, bike or a short onward trip.
Hutt Valley Thunderbolts BMX is part of the Cycling Tracks in Wellington guide. For BMX in Lower Hutt, Wainuiomata BMX Track at Hugh Sinclair Park is another Hutt Valley BMX option.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.