Last updated May 2026
Central Park is a 13-hectare reserve tucked between Aro Valley and Brooklyn in Wellington’s Town Belt. It contains exotic woodland, native forest, formal gardens, a stream, walking tracks, and a playground — and it is free to enter. The park is popular with local families, dog walkers, and anyone wanting a patch of genuine green in the inner city.
Practical Information
| Location | Between Aro Valley and Brooklyn, Wellington (accessible from the Aro Valley area) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open daily, dawn to dusk |
| Admission | Free |
| Facilities | Playground (including flying foxes), tennis centre, picnic areas, toilets |
About the Park
Central Park is part of Wellington’s Town Belt — the green corridor that wraps around the inner city, separating the suburbs from the urban core. The park occupies a steep gully between Aro Valley and Brooklyn, with a stream running through the bottom and walking tracks rising up both sides through mature trees.
The mix of exotic and native vegetation gives the park a layered character — in places it feels like genuine bush, in others like an old English garden. The playground is well regarded locally, with flying foxes that draw families from across the city. A tennis centre operates within the park grounds.
Walking in the Park
Several walking tracks run through the park. Some are gentle and flat along the valley floor; others are steeper as they rise toward Brooklyn or through the Town Belt connections. The park links to the broader Wellington Town Belt walking network, which extends through other reserves including Prince of Wales Park and Tanera Park. Note that some tracks are steep and the western gully is deep — wear appropriate footwear.
Where to Learn More
Upstream — Friends of Central Park — community group working on park restoration and events.
FAQ
Is Central Park in Wellington free to enter?
Yes — the park is free and open to the public during daylight hours.
Where exactly is Central Park?
In the Aro Valley / Brooklyn area of Wellington, within the Town Belt. It is accessible from several points in Aro Valley.
Does Central Park have a playground?
Yes — there is a playground that includes flying foxes, which are a particular drawcard for families.
Are there walking tracks?
Yes — several tracks run through the park at varying grades, from flat valley-floor walks to steeper routes rising toward Brooklyn. Some tracks connect to the wider Town Belt walking network.
Can I take my dog to Central Park?
Yes — dogs are welcome in the park on a lead. Check the Wellington City Council website for any off-leash zone designations.
Is the park suitable for young children?
Yes — the playground and flatter valley-floor tracks are well suited to younger children. The steeper tracks and gully edges require more supervision.
Nearby: Historical and Cultural Sites in Wellington covers cultural attractions across the capital. The Town Belt also connects to Wellington Parks and Reserves for more green spaces across the city.
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