Waitangi Park Skatepark is Wellington’s most prominent skatepark — a free concrete facility on the city’s waterfront in Te Aro that opened as part of the wider Waitangi Park redevelopment in 2006. It replaced the old Chafer’s Skatepark that had occupied a similar spot, and the upgrade was significant: the new facility features one of the best concrete bowls in New Zealand alongside a multi-lane street course. The waterfront location, free access, and variety of features make it the go-to spot for Wellington’s skating community.
Practical Information
| Location | Waitangi Park, Te Aro, Wellington waterfront |
|---|---|
| Address | Oriental Parade, Te Aro, Wellington 6011 |
| Cost | Free |
| Hours | Open during daylight hours, 7 days |
| Disciplines | Skateboarding, scootering, BMX, rollerblading |
| Getting there | Short walk along the waterfront from central Wellington; street parking on Oriental Parade |
About the Skatepark
The skatepark sits within Waitangi Park, a six-hectare urban park that covers around 30 percent of Wellington’s waterfront. The park was designed by Wraight + Associates and opened in 2006 following a significant reclamation and redesign of the Te Aro waterfront area.
The centrepiece of the skatepark is the concrete bowl — widely regarded as one of the best in New Zealand. It offers smooth transitions and enough depth and width to suit experienced riders, while remaining accessible to progressing skaters. Alongside the bowl, a two- to three-lane street course features grindable planters and ledges that allow for continuous flow lines and trick combinations.
The skatepark serves all wheeled sports — skateboarding, scootering, BMX and rollerblading — and is popular across age groups. The adjacent playground and open lawn areas in Waitangi Park mean families often spend time in the wider park while younger or newer riders use the skatepark.
Events
Waitangi Park Skatepark hosts the annual Bowlzilla Wellington competition, which attracts both local riders and national and international competitors. The bowl’s quality makes it a natural venue for event skating, and the open waterfront setting gives the competition a distinctive atmosphere. Wellington City Council’s broader Skate Pōneke programme has also used the park as part of wider skating initiatives across the city.
What Visitors Say
“The bowl is genuinely world class — smooth, well-shaped, and the waterfront backdrop makes it one of the best skate spots in the country. Busy on weekends but there’s enough room if you time it right.”
Where to Learn More
Waitangi Park — Wellington City Council — park overview, facilities and visitor information.
Skate Parks in Wellington — Wellington City Council — full list of skateparks across the city with locations and details.
Waitangi Skatepark — Skatepark Hunter — community ratings and skater reviews of the facility.
FAQ
Is Waitangi Park Skatepark free?
Yes — the skatepark is free to use and open during daylight hours every day of the week.
What disciplines can use the skatepark?
Skateboarding, scootering, BMX and rollerblading are all welcome. The bowl and street course suit multiple disciplines.
What replaced the old Chafer’s Skatepark?
Waitangi Park Skatepark replaced the old Chafer’s Skatepark when the wider Waitangi Park development opened in 2006.
Does the skatepark host competitions?
Yes — the annual Bowlzilla Wellington competition is held at the bowl and attracts national and international competitors.
How do I get there?
The park is on the waterfront in Te Aro, a short walk from central Wellington along Oriental Parade. Street parking is available on Oriental Parade.
Waitangi Park Skatepark is part of the wider Skate Parks in Wellington guide. For a smaller community park, Karori Skatepark and Island Bay Skatepark offer local neighbourhood options across the city.