Years of planning, partnership and community effort are about to pay off, with the Active Apirana mountain bike park set to roll into action this summer at Apirana Reserve.
Located within Apirana Reserve off St John's Road, the first two trails of the new mountain bike park are expected to open in six months on approximately 10,000 square metres of council-owned land.
The Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board has backed the Active Apirana project from its early stages, helping secure access to land at the reserve and supporting its development through a $25,000 grant. The project has also been shortlisted for the 2026/2027 Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund.
Positioned next to the Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai shared path and close to the eastern line rail corridor, the site is accessible for locals and visitors travelling by bike or public transport.
Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Chair Debbie Burrows says the new tracks are a great example of local boards working with their communities.
“Active Apirana will be a fantastic new asset for the community when it opens, and it’s a really good showcase of how we have listened to a community dream and played a role in enabling this vision, which will have wide-ranging benefits for a long time.
“The project could not have happened without the passion from Active Apirana, local volunteers and the local board, so many people have played a role in getting a new bike park for Glen Innes. It’s very exciting.”
Local mountain biking advocate Charmaine Vaughan has driven the project since day one after seeing bike parks popping up all around the country.
“To see this vision come to life is very special. It’s in the right place, central to where many Aucklanders live, and it’s happening at exactly the right time. Mountain biking is experiencing a meteoric rise in popularity. That’s because it’s not only great for physical and mental wellbeing, but it’s also great fun. People thrive on it.
“As a parent, having places close to home where our kids can get active in nature is priceless. It makes the places we live even more special. The work is well underway, and it’s remarkable to see that what started as a big, wonderful idea is so close to becoming a big, wonderful reality.
“A lot of people got behind that idea to get us here, from the local board who backed us, to the hard-working volunteers who have put in so many hours, to the community who have supported Active Apirana. This truly is a place for the community, by the community.”
New downhill tracks for all
Once fully open, there will be four downhill mountain bike trails and an uphill climbing trail, with a skills development area planned for the future.
The site will cater for beginners as well as experienced riders and will give tamariki and rangatahi the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of mountain biking while experiencing the benefits of being active and connecting with others in their community.
Ecological involvement
Active Apirana's team of volunteers and contractors are regenerating the green space with native planting and ecological restoration as they build the trails through the land. Their work is creating an environment that will benefit riders and wildlife alike.
The Active Apirana volunteer team has worked closely with Auckland Council parks staff and community rangers to learn how to manage the 10,000 square metres of land and ensure the natural environment is protected and enhanced.
Locals who would like to support the reserve are invited to join community volunteer days to help with weeding and general maintenance.