Last updated October 2026
Pohe Island Bike Park is a free public cycling facility located at 109 Dave Culham Drive on Pohe Island within William Fraser Memorial Park in central Whangārei. It provides dedicated off-road riding space for riders of all ages and abilities, from beginners learning balance to more experienced users on the pump track.
The park opened fully in 2022 after stage-one access in 2021 and forms part of Whangārei District Council’s investment in active recreation. It connects directly to the Hātea Loop shared path, allowing riders to reach the site from the Town Basin without using roads. The facility supports bikes, BMX, scooters and skateboards year-round on its asphalt surfaces.
Practical Information
- Location
- 109 Dave Culham Drive, Pohe Island, Whangārei 0112
- Cost
- Free
- Opened
- 2022 (full opening February 2022)
- Suitable for
- All ages and ability levels; family-friendly
- Allowed
- MTB, BMX, scooters, skateboards (BYO; no hire on site)
- Facilities
- 800 m circuit track, Velosolutions asphalt pump track, beginners’ bike-skills area, all-weather teaching building, toilets, shaded areas
- Access
- Connected to Hātea Loop shared path; wheelchair and pushchair friendly
About the Bike Park
The bike park was developed by Whangārei District Council on Pohe Island next to the Hātea River and sports fields. It sits within William Fraser Memorial Park and forms part of the city’s growing shared-path network.
The main features include an 800-metre circuit track for general riding and laps, a Velosolutions-designed asphalt pump track recognised as the largest of its kind in New Zealand at the time of construction, and a dedicated beginners’ bike-skills area with tunnels and murals.
An all-weather building with smooth asphalt provides sheltered space for teaching young riders. The pump track and skills areas are open to anything with wheels, making the park inclusive for BMX, scooters and skateboards alongside mountain bikes. Separate BMX club facilities exist nearby but are not open to the general public.
The site is fully integrated with the surrounding park amenities, including the destination playground and skate park, creating a multi-activity destination for families and community groups.
The Whangārei BMX Club also has its race track beside the bike park, but it is a club facility: the council says it “is not open to the general public”, so riding there is through the club.
Family-Friendly Cycling
Pohe Island Bike Park is designed as a welcoming space for families and new riders. The beginners’ bike-skills area features low-pressure features such as ramps, tunnels and slalom elements to build confidence.
Young children can practise in the sheltered all-weather building before progressing to the pump track or circuit. The facility supports adaptive riders and is noted for its accessibility, with flat terrain and paved surfaces suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Parents and caregivers appreciate the combination of riding zones with nearby playground equipment and toilets, allowing mixed-age groups to enjoy the site together. No booking is required for general use, though exclusive events can be arranged through the council.
The Free BMX Track by the Playground
Pohe Island also has a public BMX track of its own. Whangārei District Council says that “a free BMX track is located next to the Pohe Island playground and skate park”, apart from the bike park’s circuit, pump track and skills area. It is free to use, like the rest of the bike park. The council gives no length, grade or opening hours for it.
Where to Learn More
Whangārei District Council – Pohe Island Bike Park: Official page with location details, features and access information.
Bike Northland – Pohe Island Bike Park: Rider information, event calendar and zone descriptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pohe Island Bike Park free?
Yes, the entire facility is free and open to the public.
What equipment is allowed?
MTB, BMX, scooters and skateboards are all welcome on the asphalt surfaces. Road bikes are not suited to the features.
Is the park suitable for young children?
Yes. The beginners’ bike-skills area and sheltered teaching building are specifically designed for new and young riders.
Do I need to bring my own gear?
Yes. There is no equipment hire available on site.
How do I get there?
The park is at 109 Dave Culham Drive off Port Road or Riverside Drive. It is also reachable via the Hātea Loop shared path from the Town Basin.
When did it open?
Stage one opened in 2021 with the full facility completed and opened in February 2022.
Are dogs allowed?
Check current dog-access rules on the Whangārei District Council website as rules vary across the park.
Is the park wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the paved surfaces and flat terrain make it wheelchair and pushchair friendly.
Is there a BMX track at Pohe Island?
Yes. The council says a free BMX track is next to the Pohe Island playground and skate park.
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