Bay Skate is a multi-use, world-class roller sports park on Napier’s Marine Parade, at 290 Marine Parade adjacent to the Sound Shell. The park is built for skateboarding, roller derby, BMX, scootering, inline hockey, roller skating, artistic skating and rollerblading, with a flat rink, a wooden ramp section, and a concrete bowl area. A 593-seat grandstand overlooks the facility for spectators and events, with changing and showering facilities, an adjacent ice cream parlour and a merchandise shop. Open daily for casual use, free entry, and frequently used for club training, competitions, concerts, open-air cinema and business functions.
Practical Information
| Location | 290 Marine Parade, central Napier, adjacent to the Sound Shell |
| Type | Multi-use roller sports park: skateboarding, BMX, scootering, inline hockey, roller derby, roller skating, artistic skating, rollerblading |
| Areas | Flat rink, wooden ramp section, concrete bowl |
| Spectator capacity | 593-seat viewing grandstand |
| Facilities | Changing rooms, showers, ice cream parlour, merchandise shop |
| Cost | Free for casual use |
| Hours | Open daily; some sessions reserved for clubs and events (check Bay Skate site) |
| Other uses | Club training, competitions, concerts, open-air cinema, business functions |
About Bay Skate
Bay Skate opened on Napier’s central Marine Parade as one of New Zealand’s most-developed dedicated roller sports facilities, designed to support both casual skaters and competitive clubs across a wide range of disciplines. The park combines three distinct surfaces: the flat rink suits roller derby, inline hockey, artistic skating and roller skating; the wooden ramp section caters for BMX and skateboarding tricks; the concrete bowl is the bowl-style skateboarding and scootering area familiar from other NZ skateparks. The combination means a much wider range of disciplines can use the same facility than a typical skatepark allows.
The 593-seat grandstand overlooks the park, supporting both spectator use at competitions and the park’s secondary role as an events venue. Bay Skate regularly hosts roller derby bouts, BMX competitions, scootering events, open-air concerts in summer, the annual open-air cinema programme, and corporate or community functions. The on-site ice cream parlour and merchandise shop add the kind of casual amenities that make the facility a destination for families rather than just a serious-sport venue.
Bay Skate sits in a prime location on Marine Parade between the Sound Shell and the central CBD, making it walking distance to the National Aquarium, the Veronica Sunbay, the MTG museum and the rest of the central waterfront attractions. The Marine Parade Walkway runs right past the facility for cyclists and walkers.
Disciplines Catered For
- Skateboarding: flat, ramp and bowl surfaces
- BMX: wooden ramp section
- Scootering: ramps and bowl
- Roller derby: flat rink, with grandstand for competitions
- Inline hockey: flat rink
- Roller skating and rollerblading: flat rink for casual use
- Artistic skating: flat rink for choreographed routines
What Visitors Often Say
Reviewers consistently rate Bay Skate as one of the standout roller sports facilities in New Zealand. The combination of flat rink, wooden ramp and concrete bowl on the same site gets specific mentions (most NZ skateparks specialise in just one), alongside the 593-seat grandstand for competition viewing, the Marine Parade waterfront location, and the supporting ice cream parlour and merchandise shop. Families with kids of mixed disciplines particularly value the breadth of options.
Common practical tips: check the Bay Skate site for current session times because some sessions are reserved for clubs and events; bring your own gear (the park is casual-use focused; specialist hire is limited); combine with a Marine Parade walk and an ice cream from the on-site parlour for a relaxed family afternoon; and consider watching a roller derby or BMX event from the grandstand if your visit coincides with one.
Where to Learn More
Bay Skate official site: session times, club programmes, events calendar and contact details.
Napier City Council, Bay Skate: official council page for the facility with location, hours and access.
Hawke’s Bay NZ, Bay Skate: regional visitor guide with photos and additional context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bay Skate?
At 290 Marine Parade in central Napier, adjacent to the Sound Shell.
What can I do at Bay Skate?
Skateboarding, BMX, scootering, roller derby, inline hockey, roller skating, artistic skating and rollerblading. Three surfaces: flat rink, wooden ramp section, concrete bowl.
Is Bay Skate free?
Yes, free for casual use. Some sessions are reserved for clubs, competitions or events.
Are there spectator seats at Bay Skate?
Yes, a 593-seat grandstand overlooks the facility.
Are there changing rooms at Bay Skate?
Yes, changing rooms, showers, an adjacent ice cream parlour and a merchandise shop.
What events are held at Bay Skate?
Roller derby bouts, BMX and scootering competitions, open-air concerts, the annual open-air cinema programme, and corporate or community functions.
Can I cycle to Bay Skate?
Yes. The Marine Parade Walkway runs right past the facility, connecting to the wider Rotary Pathway network.
For more Napier skateparks, see the skateparks hub. Combine with the Marine Parade Walkway for the coastal walk past the facility.
