Ready to inject some energy into your life and feel your absolute best? From scenic spots at our parks to the community spirit on our courts and pools, your free fitness journey in Tāmaki Makaurau awaits.
Check out some fun ways to get active, challenge yourself and a friend or two – all without spending a cent!
Conquer the outdoors
Auckland’s parks are not just for picnics; they’re your personal outdoor gyms. Did you know many of our beautiful urban green spaces come with outdoor fitness equipment, perfect for a full-body workout in the fresh air? From pull-up bars to step-up stations, you’ll find everything you need to challenge yourself – the best part is that your workout comes with nature’s fresh air and without needing your wallet.
For a waterfront winner, check out Onehunga Bay Reserve - the perfect spot for any adventure that not only offers opportunities for water sports on the lagoon, it also comes with an incredible network of mostly accessible paths throughout the reserve. Discover the fitness equipment along the path by the playground, from balancing beams to working on your upper body strength and more.
Hit the paths, try the gear, and get moving at Onehunga Bay Reserve.
At Fowlds Park you can make fitness a family affair. While you tackle the log jump, balance beam and vertical climb, the rest of the whānau can enjoy the playground, picnic tables and sports fields nearby.
Work out, play, and picnic all in one spot at Fowlds Park!
For those looking to add a coastal stroll to the fitness regime, there’s Bramley Drive Reserve. Here you'll find a blend of cardio and conditioning opportunities. Jog along the Tāmaki Estuary’s pathways, stopping to utilise the free leg and shoulder press and lateral pull down equipment – all with a restorative coastal breeze to keep you going.
Your waterfront workout awaits at Bramley Drive Reserve.
Be a good sport
Ready to channel that competitive energy? Auckland boasts an impressive selection of free public courts just begging for some action. All you need is your gear, your friends and your best game face.
- Tennis: With more than 60 public tennis courts spread across the region, you’re never far from a place to practice your serve. Grab a friend and discover some new locations like Nicholson Park or View Road Reserve courts. For those interested in a more central location, check out Western Park in Freeman’s Bay. And don’t worry, you don’t have to be a member to play on Auckland Council tennis courts – they're free to use!
Ace your day at Western Park, open courts accessible to everyone.
- Volleyball: Spike, set, and serve your way to fitness at Ōrewa Reserve - this scenic spot includes BBQ’s, picnic tables, bike racks and even outdoor showers for the tougher volleyball players looking to break a sweat. Another great spot is Waterview Reserve with its dedicated sand court for the beach volleyball enthusiasts.
- Basketball: For the best spots to shoot some hoops, check out the three-hectare reserve that is Potters Park. This is a family favourite as it comes with a splash pad for the little ones, beautiful greenery all around and picnic tables for the whānau to watch the basketball action unfold. For harbour views and basketball action surrounded by grassy open spaces and beautiful mature trees, there’s Coyle Park in Point Chevalier.
Hit the court, then hit the splash pad only at Potters Park.
Hit the court, then hit the splash pad only at Potters Park.
- And for all those who can’t make up their mind, check out these epic multisport parks like Aorere Park in Māngere, Fergusson Domain in Onehunga or Windmill Park in Epsom.
Make a splash for free!
For the younger Aucklanders, getting water-wise has never been easier (or cheaper!). Did you know young people aged 16 years and under have free access to council-owned pools? This incredible initiative means more kids and teens can enjoy swimming, stay fit, and learn essential water safety skills.
Make the most of the free swimming opportunities provided by Local Boards around Tāmaki Makaurau, like Kaipatiki Local Board which offers free swimming at Birkenhead Pool and Leisure (Mahara Ave) for local seniors; Manurewa Local Board welcomes local seniors and people living with disabilities to swim for free at the Manurewa Pool and Leisure centre in Sykes Road. Supervising adults of children under five are also able to attend for free with their tamariki.
Manurewa Aquatic Centre and Gym.
Residents of Māngere-Ōtāhuhu and Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board areas enjoy free swimming year-round at Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa, Ōtāhuhu Pool and Leisure Centre, Ōtara Pool and Leisure Centre and Papatoetoe Centennial Pools. Check out your local Pool and Leisure Centre for free swimming opportunities near you.
Community Connection & Fitness
The best part of the free fitness journey? You don’t have to do it alone! Tap into the power of community with these friendly options:
- Auckland Council's Out & About programme offers Aucklanders a treasure trove of free fitness opportunities designed to get you moving and connecting. Move, play, and connect with free community fitness and whānau-friendly activities across the region! Enjoy outdoor yoga in Stanmore Bay, Tai Chi in Parnell and Ponsonby, Zumba in Papakura and Howick, Pasifika Games in Manurewa, Friday night multisports in Papakura, and a range of community fitness sessions in Avondale, Māngere, Henderson, Manurewa, Papakura, and Massey. There’s something for everyone — all designed to keep you active and connected close to home.
- Community Gardens: Get your hands dirty. Volunteering at a community garden is a wonderful way to combine physical activity with giving back to your neighbourhood. Check out Gardens for Health, Auckland Teaching Gardens or Conservation Volunteering to kickstart your fitness through gardening.
- Free Gym Trials: Want to get fit at a gym but don’t know where to start? Auckland Council’s Pool and Leisure Centres offer free gym trials to provide a sample of fitness fun before needing to commit to any membership. In a judgement free zone with full-service support, it’s the perfect opportunity to get a sense of what your fitness journey could look like without spending a cent.
Getting fit in Tāmaki Makaurau doesn't have to come at a cost. With these amazing free resources from Auckland Council, you have every opportunity to embrace a healthier, more active you. Grab a friend, explore your local park, or dive right into free swimming sessions – your fitness journey starts now.
