Auckland Sports & Outdoors Tips by keeweechic Top 5 Page for this destination

Auckland Canoe Centre

If this is your sport, then the Auckland Canoe Centre is your place for finding the specialists in kayaks and canoes. They have an extensive range of kayaks and equipment. They have all the accessories for Recreation, Sea Kayaking, Racing, Multisport, White Water, Rodeo, Canoe Polo.

Address: 502 Sandringham Rd, Sandringham

Theme: Other

Ellerslie Racecourse

Auckland’s showplace for race horsing is Ellerslie Racecourse which hosts 26 race meetings a year. It has now been in existence for over 130 years and has a world renowned reputation for its steeplechase track as well and the lovely manicured lawns and gardens.

The Auckland Racing Club began in 1874 when the Auckland Jockey Club and the Auckland Turf Club amalgamated. Although racing actually began some 32 years earlier at the Epsom Racecourse or Epsom Downs as it was called then. Ellerslie Racecourse has first class and even award winning facilities and is well utilized with other events other than racing – at these times it is known as the Ellerslie Function and Convention Centre.

Address: 80 Ascot Avenue, Remuera

Theme: Other

Sailing

The east coast of the Auckland region has the right conditions for sailing. Auckland has some of the busiest harbour in NZ for recreational vehicles – we are not known as the ‘city of sails for nothing’. There are some 500 sheltered island anchorages scattered through the Hauraki Gulf – it’s a great place for not only the super yachts but the smaller pleasure crafts as well to enjoy the waters.

Theme: Boating/Sailing

Windsurfing

All kinds of watersports are popular in Auckland and the west coast provides huge waves and strong winds a lot of the time. There are many great windsurfing spots from Port Waikato to the south head of the Kaipara Harbour. The Manukau Harbour has some good spots for windsurfing also in some of the sheltered waters, but beware of the rips and tides.

Theme: Other

Half Moon Bay Marina

Half Moon Bay is on the eastern side of Auckland. The marina sits in the Tamaki River and has a 35 ton travelift with full service to all types of marine craft. There is a fishing and dive shop close by as well as a chandlery store. Also near at hand are restaurants, a supermarket, motel and pharmacy.

Address: Half Moon Bay

Theme: Boating/Sailing

Avondale Racecourse

The Avondale Racecourse is home to the Avondale Jockey Club. The Club was founded in 1889 when Avondale was just rural farmland although this area had known horse racing as far back as 1864. The first race meeting took place in 1890 and the price of admittance was one shilling.

The Avondale Racecourse is a righthanded 1800m track. There are monthly meetings but exact times and dates vary. Admission is free and you can take a punt or two or just enjoy a quiet drink. The Avondale Cup is run annual here and during the summer months the sports grounds within the race track are used for touch rugby and cricket. On Sundays the carpark is turned into market stalls.

Address: Cnr Ash St and Rosebank Rd, Avondale

Howick Golf Course

This Golf Course has one heck of a view. Located on the Bucklands Beach Peninsular at Musick Point, there are sweeping views of the Hauraki Gulf from all around the course. The course also has a combination of narrow tree lined fairways and strategically designed short to medium length holes. Something for everyone.

Address: 32 Musick Point Road, Musick Point

Theme: Golfing

Chamberlain Park Public Golf Course

Chamberlain Park is a public golf course in Western Springs. There are beautifully manicured greens in amongst native trees. All you need is provided for – trundlers and shoe hire to motorised carts. There are also leading pro-shop and qualified teachers on hand for instruction.

Green fees apply but no bookings are required to use the course. Opening hours: daylight until dusk, 365 days a year.

Address: 46a Linwood Avenue, Western Springs

Theme: Golfing

Westhaven Marina

Westhaven Marina is at the entrance to the Hauraki Gulf close to the Harbour Bridge. It is one of the largest and best equipped marinas in the Southern Hemisphere. Their facilities are world class and welcome all sizes of craft. Close to downtown Auckland, shopping malls and restaurants.

Address: 137 Westhaven Drive

Theme: Boating/Sailing

Springs Speedway

The Western Springs speedway has been around in Auckland for 76 years and probably for most of that time it has been a bone of contention for the residences in the area. Unfortunately with the noise and their inability to comply with the noise limits, the speedway may one day be forced to close.
I certainly remember as a little girl being dragged along on Saturday nights by my older brothers (because they were made to) to see the speedway. It would be a shame to see it gone.

During the year the stadium hosts a maximum of three practice sessions, 20 races, and six concerts. Check out their website for dates of meetings.

Address: Great North Road (by Motat)

Theme: Other