Pohe Island Skatepark is Whangarei’s flagship skate facility, located at William Fraser Memorial Park on Dave Culham Drive in Parahaki, alongside the Hātea River. The park underwent a major $1.287 million redevelopment that was completed and opened in March 2021, transforming the original ageing facility into a significantly expanded skate precinct with street-style features, flow transition, and a pump track area. It is designed for skateboarders, scooter riders, and BMX riders of all skill levels, with dedicated areas for beginners and more challenging features for experienced riders.
Practical Information
| Address | 109 Dave Culham Drive, Parahaki, Whangārei |
| Park name | William Fraser Memorial Park |
| Setting | Alongside the Hātea River, Parahaki |
| Cost | Free |
| Open | Open daily (outdoor park) |
| Redevelopment cost | $1.287 million |
| Opened (redeveloped) | March 2021 |
| Suitable for | Skateboards, scooters, BMX; all skill levels |
| Helmets | Recommended; mandatory for under-18s |
About Pohe Island Skatepark
The Pohe Island Skatepark sits within William Fraser Memorial Park on the Hātea River — a recreational precinct that also includes open green space and river access. The skatepark’s riverside setting is one of its more distinctive qualities; riders share the space with the sounds and views of the tidal river rather than the typical carpark-edge urban context of many New Zealand skateparks.
The 2021 redevelopment was designed by skatepark specialist Richard Smith of Rich Landscapes, who approached the project as a renewal and extension of the existing facility rather than a complete demolition rebuild. The original concrete was partially demolished and recycled where possible, with the expanded layout pushing south to add the new street-style zone and north to develop the flow transition area around the mini ramp.
The street-style environment on the southern side includes ledges, rails, stairs, a skate kerb, and a bank ledge to transition — a standard set of street features that give skateboarders and scooter riders a variety of challenges and lines. On the northern side, the existing spined mini ramp was modified with both ends bowled out, creating a more flow-oriented transition environment. New transition features extend to the north-eastern corner of the park, completing the circuit.
A learner wheeled play environment — a more beginner-friendly pumptrack area — is also part of the redeveloped facility. This section is particularly useful for younger or newer riders building confidence before moving to the larger street and transition features.
The Redevelopment: What Changed in 2021
Before the 2021 work, the Pohe Island Skatepark was an ageing facility that had seen years of use without major upgrade. Community consultation identified both the desire for more challenging features and the need for a learner-friendly zone. The Whangarei District Council approved the $1.287 million project, which was tendered through normal public procurement processes.
The design brief called for a large skateable art piece that connected with the site’s narrative — though the specific implementation of this element can be confirmed on site. The project also included the demolition and recycling of parts of the original concrete, reflecting a sustainability approach to the rebuild. Construction started in mid-2020 and the redeveloped park opened in March 2021.
The result is a facility that covers significantly more area than the original park, with a clearer zoning between beginner, street, and transition areas that makes it more usable for riders at different skill levels simultaneously.
What Visitors Say
Where to Learn More
The project page from the designer Richard Smith, covering the design brief, the renewal and extension approach, and the key features added in the 2021 redevelopment.
International skatepark directory listing for Pohe Island, with location details and community notes useful for visiting riders planning a session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pohe Island Skatepark?
The skatepark is at 109 Dave Culham Drive, Parahaki, Whangārei — within William Fraser Memorial Park alongside the Hātea River.
Is Pohe Island Skatepark free?
Yes — the skatepark is free to use and open daily as an outdoor public facility.
What features does Pohe Island Skatepark have?
The park has a street-style zone (ledges, rails, stairs, skate kerb, bank ledge), a flow transition area with a spined mini ramp with bowled ends, extended north-eastern transition features, and a beginner pumptrack/learner wheeled play area.
When was the skatepark redeveloped?
The $1.287 million redevelopment was completed in March 2021. Design was by Richard Smith of Rich Landscapes.
Is Pohe Island Skatepark suitable for beginners?
Yes — the 2021 redevelopment included a dedicated learner wheeled play environment (beginner pumptrack area) designed for riders building skills before progressing to the street and transition sections.
What ages is the skatepark for?
The skatepark is for all ages. Helmets are recommended for all riders and are mandatory for riders under 18.
Is there parking at Pohe Island Skatepark?
William Fraser Memorial Park on Dave Culham Drive has parking available adjacent to the skatepark and park facilities.
Why is it called Pohe Island?
Pohe Island is a landform on the Hātea River in Parahaki. The skatepark takes its name from the island location it occupies within the broader William Fraser Memorial Park precinct.
Pohe Island Skatepark is part of the skateparks in Whangarei guide. You might also explore Riverside Skatepark in central Whangarei, or read about the Parahaki suburb where the park is located.