Pohe Island Bike Park Whangarei: Pump Tracks, Skills Zones and Free Riding

Pohe Island Bike Park sits at the end of Dave Culham Drive on William Fraser Memorial Park, just minutes from Whangārei’s Town Basin. Opened in 2022, it is the city’s dedicated off-road cycling facility — built for everything from first-time riders learning to balance through to experienced mountain bikers hitting berms and drops. The centrepiece is a Velosolutions-designed asphalt pump track that is the biggest of its kind in New Zealand. Entry is free, and the park welcomes bikes, BMX, scooters and skateboards year-round.

Practical Information

Location Dave Culham Drive, Pohe Island, Whangārei
Cost Free
Opened 2022
Suitable for All ages and ability levels
Bikes/gear MTB, BMX, scooters, skateboards — BYO
Facilities Pump track, circuit track, MTB skills area, beginner area
Access Connected to Whangārei shared path network

About the Bike Park

The bike park was developed by Whangārei District Council as part of broader investment in active recreation on Pohe Island. It sits within William Fraser Memorial Park alongside the island’s sports fields, and connects to the city’s shared path network — meaning you can ride here from the CBD without touching a road.

The facility has four main areas. The pump track complex, designed by international specialists Velosolutions, covers 2,500 square metres and includes two connected tracks totalling 380 metres of riding surface. One track is standard size with technical features and flowing corners; the other is oversized, with berms 2.5 metres wide and 1.5 metres high — the first track of this scale built in New Zealand. Both tracks join in the middle, letting riders move between them freely.

The beginner area is designed for children and adults new to riding, with ramps, see-saws and slalom poles to build bike handling confidence in a low-pressure environment. From there, riders can progress into the mountain bike skills area, which includes small drops, rock gardens, a wall ride and ramps — proper trail-style features on flat terrain. The 800-metre circuit track provides a continuous loop for general riding and laps at any pace.

Who It’s For

The bike park is genuinely for everyone. Young children can start in the beginner area while older riders work the pump track or circuit. The pump track is aimed at ages seven and up and is open to anything with wheels — MTB, BMX, scooters, skateboards and roller skates all work on the asphalt surface. There is no hire on site, so bring your own gear.

For those specifically interested in the pump track, see the dedicated Pohe Island Pump Track guide for track layout, riding technique and design details.

Where to Learn More

Whangarei District Council — Pohe Island Bike Park
Official facility overview with layout, features and visiting information.
wdc.govt.nz
Bike Northland — Pohe Island Bike Park
Rider guide covering each zone, the pump track layout and tips for first visits.
bikenorthland.co.nz

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pohe Island Bike Park free?
Yes, the park is free and open to the public.

What gear is allowed at the bike park?
MTB, BMX, road bikes, scooters and skateboards are all welcome. The pump track works with anything that has wheels.

Is the bike park suitable for young children?
Yes. The beginner area is specifically designed for children and new riders, with approachable features to build confidence before moving into other zones.

Do I need to bring my own bike?
Yes — there is no bike hire at the park. BYO bike, BMX, scooter or skateboard.

How do I get to Pohe Island Bike Park?
Turn off Port Road onto Dave Culham Drive, Pohe Island. The bike park is at the far end of William Fraser Memorial Park. It is also reachable via the shared path network from the CBD.

When did the bike park open?
The Pohe Island Bike Park officially opened in 2022.

Browse all routes and riding areas on the Cycling Tracks in Whangārei hub. Nearby, the Mount Parihaka MTB Tracks offer forested trail riding for those wanting natural terrain.