Normanton Reserve in Glenfield is less well known than other spots, but well worth checking out. It has a nice big playground that the ride track loops around; a smaller loop inside a larger loop. And the two concrete courts with hoops are popular with older kids and adults.
Parents should pick up coffee en route: there are no cafes nearby as it’s in a residential neighbourhood tucked behind Wairau Valley, but there is a public toilet on site.
If your kids are small enough to need an eye on them at all times, this is a great choice as it’s small enough but still has plenty of room to frolic. If you want to ride or scooter with the kids, it’s quiet enough to do that. There’s also adult exercise equipment around the outer loop, and lots of shady trees to picnic under.
Parking is on Normanton Avenue which has a very wide frontage to the Reserve.
Ride details
Suitable for
- Absolute Beginner
- Learner (balance bike, trainer wheels)
- Confident child (pedal bike - no trainer wheels)
- Scooter
- Adults
Time
15 min
Steep sections
Yes, but you can easily avoid those areas
Infrastructure
Amenities
- Toilets
- Playground
Parking
On road parking on Normanton Road. Good amount of parking, even on weekends.
Other
Small courts with hoops, adult exercise equipment, water fountain
Location
Area
North Auckland
Getting there
- Bike
- Drive
Weather dependent
No
Kids visible at all times?
Yes
Outing type
Great for a kid-focussed outing - biking, playground, maybe a picnic too.
Suitable for multiple kids
Yes
Tips from the local
There is a small concrete 'bridge' that the kids can choose to go up and down (or they can stay on the flat), as they do the loops. Adds a small challenge and a bit of extra fun. There are lots of mature trees to provide shade if you want to take a rug and retreat under them for a picnic.
Map marker
Join us
Bike Auckland is the non-profit organisation working to improve things for people on bikes. We’re a people-powered movement for a better region. We speak up for you – and the more of us there are, the stronger our voice!
