Last updated June 2026
Kensington Park serves as Whangarei’s main multipurpose sports reserve on Western Hills Drive in the Kensington suburb. The park supports a wide range of outdoor sports including hockey, netball, soccer, cricket and athletics, while also housing McKay Stadium as Northland’s premier indoor sports and events venue. A children’s playground adds family appeal alongside the active facilities. The site is managed by Whangarei District Council and functions primarily as a district sports hub with free public access to the grounds and playground.
Practical Information
| Location | 97 Western Hills Drive, Kensington, Whangarei 0112 |
| Hours | Grounds open daily |
| Cost | Free public access to grounds and playground (events and stadium programmes may have separate ticketing) |
| Sports | Hockey (two artificial water turfs), netball (12 outdoor courts), soccer, cricket, athletics (all-weather track), tennis (free public courts in summer), table tennis |
| Facilities | McKay Stadium (indoor), playground, Trigg Arena (athletics and gymnastics), Kensington Fitness Centre (squash and basketball), table tennis hall, toilets, drinking fountains, parking |
| Dogs | Not permitted |
| Managed by | Whangarei District Council |
About Kensington Park
Kensington Park operates as a major district sports hub with multiple fields and specialised facilities supporting both local and national-level competition. Two artificial hockey water turfs host national matches, while an all-weather mondo athletic track, soccer pitches, cricket ovals and 12 outdoor netball courts accommodate regular training and games. Additional features include permanent cricket nets and four public-use courts available for tennis and netball.
McKay Stadium sits within the park and serves as Northland’s premier indoor venue for sports and community events. Nearby facilities include Trigg Arena for athletics and gymnastics, a table tennis hall and the Kensington Fitness Centre offering squash and basketball courts for hire. Off-road parking is available from Kensington Avenue, Western Hills Drive and Park Avenue.
The park sees heavy use during winter sports seasons, with weekend matches drawing crowds. Recent upgrades have improved pedestrian safety and parking around the site. Visitors seeking quiet leisure space may prefer nearby reserves such as Mair Park or Cafler Park instead.
Kensington Park Playground
The children’s playground is located along Kensington Avenue and caters well to different ages with a solid range of equipment. Shade and seating are available nearby for parents and caregivers. The playground forms part of the park’s multipurpose recreational offering and remains freely accessible during daylight hours.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe the playground as a good size with plenty of shade and seating, making it suitable for families with children of varying ages. The sports grounds are noted as well maintained, with lively atmospheres on match days for rugby, football and netball. Some mention that indoor facilities and any associated services are busiest during events.
Where to Learn More
Whangarei District Council — Kensington Park: official page detailing facilities, sports codes and park features.
McKay Stadium: venue website with event listings, bookings and information on indoor sports and community programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports are played at Kensington Park Whangarei?
Hockey on artificial turfs, netball on outdoor courts, soccer, cricket, athletics on the all-weather track, tennis (free public courts in summer) and table tennis. Indoor options include basketball and squash at associated facilities.
Where is Kensington Park in Whangarei?
97 Western Hills Drive, Kensington, a short drive from the city centre with parking off Kensington Avenue, Western Hills Drive and Park Avenue.
Is Kensington Park free to enter?
Yes, the public grounds, playground and summer tennis courts are free. Events and stadium programmes may have separate costs.
Are dogs allowed at Kensington Park?
No, dogs are prohibited throughout the park.
What is McKay Stadium?
Northland’s premier indoor sports and events venue located within Kensington Park, used for basketball, badminton, other indoor codes and community events.
Is there a playground at Kensington Park?
Yes, a children’s playground along Kensington Avenue with equipment for different ages and nearby shade and seating.
Are there tennis courts at Kensington Park?
Yes, free public tennis courts are available during summer months along with four public-use courts for tennis and netball.
Who manages Kensington Park?
Whangarei District Council manages the park and its sports facilities.
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