Last updated July 2026
Karori Park is the main sports and recreation reserve in the Karori suburb of Wellington, located on Karori Road about 4 kilometres west of the city centre. The park provides outdoor sports facilities including football and cricket grounds, an all-weather athletics track, a play area and changing rooms. It serves as a hub for community sport used by local clubs and schools. Adjacent to the park is the Karori Recreation Centre, which offers indoor sports facilities and community programmes. The park also features open grassed areas for casual use and a loop trail suitable for walking.
Practical Information
| Location | Karori Road, Karori, Wellington |
| Getting There | Drive (10 minutes from CBD) or take regular buses from central Wellington such as from Lambton Quay |
| Parking | Free parking available at the park |
| Entry | Free — outdoor areas open at all times |
| Facilities | Football and cricket grounds, all-weather athletics track, play area, changing rooms, outdoor gym equipment |
| Recreation Centre | Karori Recreation Centre at 251 Karori Road — multi-purpose sports hall, community rooms |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible areas throughout the park and facilities |
| Nearby | Karori village with cafés and shops; Karori Pool nearby |
About Karori Park
Karori Park is Wellington City Council’s primary outdoor sports facility for the Karori suburb. The grounds host football in winter and cricket in summer, with the all-weather track supporting athletics training and events. Local clubs and schools regularly use the fields for matches, training and competitions.
Open grassed areas provide space for casual recreation, picnics and informal games. Outdoor gym equipment is available for public fitness use. The park is maintained by Wellington City Council and forms part of the city’s network of sportsgrounds.
Changing rooms support organised sport. The park is smoke and vape free, and dogs are not permitted on the sports fields.
Karori Park Playground
The play area at Karori Park was upgraded at the end of 2020 and includes a range of equipment suitable for different ages. Features include a flying fox, toddler-friendly elements and surrounding seating. A pram-friendly walking track of approximately 1 kilometre loops around the play area and open space.
The playground sits alongside the sports fields and open grass, making it a popular spot for families combining play with other park activities. It is one of over 100 playgrounds maintained across Wellington.
Karori Park Tracks
A 0.6-mile (approximately 1 kilometre) easy loop trail circles the park, suitable for walking and running with minimal elevation gain. The track is generally considered easy and takes around 15 minutes to complete.
The loop provides a flat, accessible route around the sports fields and play area. Nearby longer trails such as sections of the Skyline Walkway connect from the Karori area into the Outer Green Belt reserves.
Karori Recreation Centre
The Karori Recreation Centre is located opposite Karori Mall at 251 Karori Road, adjacent to the park. It features a multi-purpose sports hall suitable for badminton, basketball, netball and volleyball, plus two community rooms available for hire.
The centre runs programmes for all ages from pre-schoolers to seniors, including school holiday activities, fitness classes and sports leagues. Casual court use is available with entry fees applying. Hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am to 10pm, Saturday 8.30am to 6pm and Sunday 11am to 6pm. It is operated by Wellington City Council.
What Visitors Often Say
The playground offers a good mix of equipment for various ages with plenty of space for running around and a convenient loop path for prams or casual strolls.
The sports fields and all-weather track are well maintained and popular for both organised games and informal training sessions in a convenient suburban location.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council sportsground locations: Details facilities at Karori Park including sports and changing rooms.
Wellington City Council Karori Recreation Centre: Current hours, programmes, booking and casual use information.
Wellington City Council play areas: Information on playgrounds including the Karori Park play area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Karori Park free to use?
Yes, the outdoor park, sports grounds and play area are free and publicly accessible at all times. Some indoor activities at the adjacent recreation centre have fees.
What sports facilities are at Karori Park?
Football and cricket grounds, an all-weather athletics track, play area and changing rooms. The recreation centre provides indoor courts for basketball, netball, badminton and volleyball.
Is there a playground at Karori Park?
Yes, there is a play area with equipment for various ages that was upgraded in 2020, plus a pram-friendly loop track.
Are there walking tracks at Karori Park?
Yes, a short easy 0.6-mile loop trail circles the park suitable for walking and running.
Is parking available at Karori Park?
Yes, free parking is available at the park.
Is Karori Park wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the park has wheelchair accessible areas including paths and facilities.
How do I get to Karori Park from central Wellington?
Buses run regularly from the central city. By car it is approximately 4 kilometres or a 10-minute drive.
Who operates the Karori Recreation Centre?
Wellington City Council operates the centre, which offers programmes, classes and casual court hire.
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