Last updated July 2026
Bay Skate is a multi-use roller sports park on Napier’s Marine Parade at 290 Marine Parade, adjacent to the Sound Shell. It supports skateboarding, roller derby, BMX, scootering, inline hockey, roller skating, artistic skating and rollerblading across a flat rink, wooden ramp section and concrete bowl. A 593-seat grandstand provides spectator seating, with changing rooms, showers, an adjacent ice cream parlour and merchandise shop also on site. The facility operates daily for casual visitors and hosts club training, competitions and events such as concerts and open-air cinema.
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, equipment hire |
| Cost | Admission fees apply (non-members $9, members $4.50, seniors/community card $7; spectators and children 3 and under free); equipment hire available |
| Hours | Open daily for casual use; some sessions reserved for clubs and events (check Bay Skate site for current times) |
| Other uses | Club training, competitions, concerts, open-air cinema, business functions |
About Bay Skate
Bay Skate (Te Papa Retireti o Bay) is a purpose-built roller sports facility on Napier’s central Marine Parade. It combines three distinct surfaces to accommodate a broader range of wheeled disciplines than most New Zealand skateparks. The flat rink suits roller derby, inline hockey, artistic skating and casual roller skating or rollerblading, while the wooden ramp section and concrete bowl cater for skateboarding, BMX and scootering tricks and transitions.
The 593-seat grandstand supports both competition viewing and the venue’s role as an events space. Bay Skate regularly hosts roller derby bouts, BMX and scootering events, summer concerts, the annual open-air cinema programme and corporate or community functions. On-site amenities including the ice cream parlour and merchandise shop make the site family-friendly beyond serious training sessions.
The park sits between the Sound Shell and the central CBD, placing it within easy walking distance of the National Aquarium of New Zealand, MTG Hawke’s Bay, the Veronica Sunbay and other waterfront attractions. The Marine Parade Walkway passes directly alongside, linking to the wider Rotary Pathway network for cyclists and pedestrians.
Disciplines Catered For
Bay Skate supports multiple activities on its three surfaces. Skateboarding, BMX and scootering use the ramps and bowl. Roller derby, inline hockey, roller skating, artistic skating and rollerblading are accommodated on the flat rink. The grandstand enables spectators at competitions across these disciplines.
What Visitors Often Say
Reviewers highlight the variety of surfaces in one location, noting that the combination of flat rink, wooden ramps and concrete bowl allows different disciplines to share the facility. The waterfront Marine Parade setting and on-site ice cream parlour are frequently mentioned as bonuses for families.
Practical advice includes checking the current session timetable on the Bay Skate website because club and event bookings can restrict casual access. Visitors recommend bringing your own gear or using the available hire options and combining a session with a walk or cycle along the adjacent Marine Parade pathway.
Where to Learn More
Bay Skate official site: current session times, club programmes, events calendar and membership details.
Napier City Council, Bay Skate: official facility page with location, fees and access information.
Hawke’s Bay Tourism, Bay Skate: regional visitor information with photos and context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bay Skate?
At 290 Marine Parade in central Napier, adjacent to the Sound Shell.
What activities are available at Bay Skate?
Skateboarding, BMX, scootering, roller derby, inline hockey, roller skating, artistic skating and rollerblading across a flat rink, wooden ramp section and concrete bowl.
Is Bay Skate free to use?
Admission fees apply for casual use (non-members $9, members $4.50, seniors and community card holders $7). Spectators and children aged 3 and under enter free. Equipment hire is available.
Are there spectator facilities at Bay Skate?
Yes, a 593-seat grandstand overlooks the park.
What facilities are on site?
Changing rooms, showers, an adjacent ice cream parlour, merchandise shop and equipment hire.
What events take place 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 or walk to Bay Skate?
Yes. The Marine Parade Walkway runs past the facility and connects to the wider Rotary Pathway network.
Is equipment hire available?
Yes. Wheel hire and protective equipment are offered on site, with free protective gear included when wheels are hired.
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