Last updated July 2026
Central Park is a 13-hectare reserve in Wellington’s Town Belt, located between Aro Valley and Brooklyn. It features a mix of formal gardens, grassed areas, natural woodland and bush, along with Moturoa Stream, walking tracks and a popular playground. The park is free to enter and serves as a commuter route and green space for local families, dog walkers and city residents. It forms part of the City to Sea walkway and offers connections to the wider Town Belt network.
Practical Information
| Location | Brooklyn, Wellington (access off Brooklyn Road or Ohiro Road) |
| Hours | Open daily, dawn to dusk |
| Admission | Free |
| Facilities | Playground with flying fox, Renouf Tennis Centre, picnic areas, toilets, parking on Brooklyn Road and Ohiro Road |
| Dogs | Must be kept on a leash |
| Accessibility | Some sealed pedestrian pathways and informal tracks; one wheelchair-assisted walk along the stream with wooden bridges (narrow in places) |
About Central Park
Central Park occupies a sheltered stream gully within Wellington’s Town Belt, the historic green corridor that encircles the inner city. The park includes formal gardens, grassed areas and a combination of exotic trees such as pines and eucalyptus alongside a developing understorey of native species. Moturoa Stream runs through the valley floor, crossed by a series of distinctive curved wooden bridges.
The Renouf Tennis Centre operates within the park grounds, and native planting efforts by the Wellington City Council and community groups continue to enhance biodiversity. The park provides an easy walk from the central city and functions as both a recreational destination and a through-route for commuters between Brooklyn and the city centre.
Vegetation creates varied environments, from open grassed sections to more enclosed bush areas. The setting offers a genuine patch of green space close to inner-city suburbs while forming part of the broader Town Belt walking and cycling connections.
Walking and Cycling in Central Park
Several tracks traverse the park, ranging from flat paths along the valley floor beside Moturoa Stream to steeper routes climbing the gully sides. The main gravel track follows the stream to the curved bridges and offers a wheelchair-assisted option before becoming steeper. The park links to the City to Sea walkway and connects with nearby reserves such as Tanera Park.
Cycling is permitted along the main path, though the route is quite steep in sections. Appropriate footwear is recommended for steeper tracks, and visitors should note varying gradients and some narrow sections.
What Visitors Often Say
The playground stands out as a highlight for families, with multiple flying foxes, climbing frames and open space that keeps children entertained for long periods. Many appreciate the combination of easy stream-side walks and the sense of being in native bush so close to the city centre.
Locals value the park as a convenient green escape and commuter shortcut, noting the tennis centre, clean facilities and opportunities to spot native birds such as fantails. Some mention the steep sections require care, especially with young children or in wet conditions.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council — Central Park: official page with map, facilities, track descriptions and accessibility details.
Friends of Central Park (Upstream): community group information on restoration work, events and volunteering opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Park in Wellington free to enter?
Yes, the park is free and open to the public daily from dawn to dusk.
Where is Central Park located?
It lies in Brooklyn between Aro Valley and Brooklyn within Wellington’s Town Belt, with access points off Brooklyn Road and Ohiro Road.
Does Central Park have a playground?
Yes, it features an excellent playground with a flying fox and large play area popular with families.
Are dogs allowed in Central Park?
Yes, dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Are there walking tracks in Central Park?
Yes, tracks range from flat stream-side paths to steeper routes, with connections to the City to Sea walkway and nearby reserves.
Is Central Park suitable for wheelchairs or prams?
Some sealed paths and a wheelchair-assisted stream walk exist, though many tracks are informal and narrow in places with steeper sections.
Is there a tennis facility at Central Park?
Yes, the Renouf Tennis Centre is located within the park grounds.
Can I cycle in Central Park?
Cycling is permitted along the main path, although the route includes steep sections.
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