Taradale Dirt Park and Pump Track is one of Napier’s two free pump-track facilities, on Gloucester Street next to the Pettigrew Green Arena in Taradale. It combines a family-friendly beginner pump track, a small intermediate dirt jump park, and a separate extreme dirt jump park — covering BMX, mountain bike, scooter, skateboard and rollerblade riders of all skill levels. Free, well-maintained, and one of the most-used kids’ biking facilities in the city.
Practical Information
| Location | 480 Gloucester Street, Taradale, Napier — next to Pettigrew Green Arena |
| Features | Pump track, beginner dirt jumps, extreme dirt jumps, skill areas |
| Suits | BMX, mountain bikes, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades |
| Cost | Free — no membership or booking required |
| Parking | Free at Pettigrew Green Arena carpark adjacent |
| Facilities | Toilets and water at Pettigrew Green Arena; café opposite |
| Safety | Helmets mandatory; closed in wet/icy conditions |
| Open | Daylight hours, year-round |
About Taradale Dirt Park & Pump Track
The Taradale Dirt Park sits on Gloucester Street in Taradale, next to the substantial Pettigrew Green Arena (Napier’s major indoor sports facility). The park is operated under a partnership between Napier City Council, the Hawkes Bay Mountain Bike Club and Trailpro, with substantial community input and volunteer maintenance.
The site combines three separate skill areas to suit different riders:
- Pump track — a full-size sealed pump track with rollers and berms. Suits all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Equally good for BMX, MTB, scooter, skateboard or rollerblade.
- Beginner dirt jump park — small dirt jumps designed for kids and beginners to learn to jump. Lower consequence than the extreme park.
- Extreme dirt jump park — larger, steeper dirt jumps designed for experienced riders. Substantial gap jumps and technical features.
The whole site is fenced and well-laid-out so beginners and advanced riders aren’t sharing space inappropriately.
Who It’s For
The Taradale Dirt Park is one of the most accessible dirt riding facilities in Napier. The combination of a pump track plus separate beginner and advanced dirt jumps means it works equally well for:
- Kids learning on push-bikes, scooters or first BMX
- Family riding sessions — multiple skill levels in one place
- Intermediate riders working on pumping, cornering and small-jump skills
- Advanced riders on the extreme dirt jumps
- Skateboarders and scooter riders using the pump track
The Hawkes Bay Mountain Bike Club regularly runs skills clinics and community events at the site — check the club’s calendar for upcoming sessions.
Safety and Etiquette
Helmets are mandatory. All riders must wear a helmet — this is enforced by community expectation. The park is closed (or advised not to be used) in wet or icy conditions because the dirt jumps become unsafe.
The standard skate-park etiquette applies: take turns, signal your run, give beginners space on the pump track. The extreme dirt park is not the place for inexperienced riders to start — work up through the pump track and beginner park first.
What Visitors Often Say
Reviewers consistently mention Taradale Dirt Park as one of the best free dirt-riding facilities in the central North Island — the combination of a family-friendly pump track, separate beginner dirt jumps, and the dedicated extreme dirt park gets praise from both parents bringing young kids and experienced riders. Community maintenance via the HBMTBC keeps the tracks in good condition.
The practical tip that comes up most: helmets are mandatory and the park stays closed for safety after heavy rain — check the surface before riding. Beginners should start on the pump track and the small beginner jumps before stepping up to the extreme park, which has substantial gap jumps best left to experienced riders.
Where to Learn More
Hawke’s Bay NZ — Taradale Dirt Park and Pump Track — regional visitor guide with photos and access information.
Trailforks — Taradale Pump Track & Dirt Jumps — interactive maps, rider reviews and conditions.
Hawkes Bay Mountain Bike Club — Trails — club page covering Taradale and other Napier-region MTB and pump-track facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Taradale Dirt Park and Pump Track?
480 Gloucester Street, Taradale, Napier — next to the Pettigrew Green Arena.
Is the Taradale Dirt Park free?
Yes — completely free, no membership or booking. Open daylight hours year-round.
Can scooter and skateboard riders use Taradale Dirt Park?
Yes — the pump track is shared use for BMX, MTB, scooter, skateboard and rollerblade. The dirt jumps are mainly BMX/MTB.
Are helmets required at Taradale Dirt Park?
Yes — helmets are mandatory at the pump track and dirt jumps. Standard safety enforcement.
Is Taradale Dirt Park suitable for kids?
Yes — the pump track and beginner dirt jumps suit kids and beginners. The extreme dirt jumps are for experienced riders only.
When is Taradale Dirt Park closed?
In wet or icy conditions the dirt jumps become unsafe and should not be ridden. The pump track is more weather-resilient but still slick when wet.
Are there toilets at Taradale Dirt Park?
Yes — toilets and water are available at the adjacent Pettigrew Green Arena.
For the other Napier dirt facility, see the Marine Parade Pump Track. The full cycling tracks hub covers all Napier cycling options.
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