Last updated July 2026
Welcome to Romanes Park in Havelock North, the home of the Hawke’s Bay BMX Club and a nationally rated BMX track in the Hastings District. This reserve provides public access to the track alongside club activities and features a newer all-wheels pump track. The site combines sporting facilities with green space, a playground, and picnic areas for families and visitors.
Practical Information
| Location | Romanes Drive Reserve, Romanes Drive, Havelock North, Hastings District |
| BMX Track | Nationally rated, 7000 m² limestone surface; public use except club competition days (about twice a year) |
| Pump Track | All-wheels facility opened September 2023 for BMX bikes, scooters and skateboards |
| Amenities | Playground, picnic tables, adult fitness equipment, football field, public toilets (closed at night), seating |
| Access | Free public access to tracks outside club events; parking available |
| Club | Volunteer-run Hawke’s Bay BMX Club; weekly riding and racing sessions |
About Romanes Park
Romanes Park, also known as Romanes Drive Reserve, sits in Havelock North within the Hastings District. It serves as the base for the Hawke’s Bay BMX Club and includes a nationally rated BMX track that the public can use outside of scheduled club competitions.
The BMX track measures approximately 7000 m² and features a limestone surface built to national standards. The club, a volunteer-run organisation, holds regular practice and race sessions while opening the facility to the wider community on non-event days.
In September 2023 the club opened an all-wheels pump track beside the main BMX track. This addition provides rollers and berms suitable for BMX bikes, scooters and skateboards, broadening the appeal for riders of varying ages and abilities.
The reserve also contains open green space, a playground with swings and climbing equipment, picnic tables, adult fitness gear and a football field. Public toilets are available during daylight hours.
Track Facilities and Access
The main BMX track supports training and racing for riders of all levels. Public access applies except on the club’s competition days, which occur roughly twice annually. The pump track operates as a free, open facility for wheeled sports.
Visitors should check the Hawke’s Bay BMX Club schedule for any temporary closures related to events or maintenance. Standard safety protocols apply, including the use of appropriate protective gear on both tracks.
Events and Community Role
The Hawke’s Bay BMX Club hosts major events at the venue, including the BMXNZ National Championships held in March 2024. These competitions attract riders from across New Zealand and highlight the track’s national-standard quality.
As a volunteer-run group the club fosters community participation through weekly sessions and race days open to the public. The facilities support skill development, physical activity and local engagement in wheeled sports.
What Visitors Often Say
Families appreciate the combination of the BMX track, pump track and playground, noting it works well for a full day out with children of different ages and skill levels.
Riders describe the main track as well maintained and suitable for both beginners and more experienced competitors, with the newer pump track adding variety for casual sessions.
Where to Learn More
Hastings District Council – Romanes Drive Reserve: Official page with park details, facilities and access information.
Hawke’s Bay BMX Club: Club site with schedules, membership and event information.
Hastings District Council pump track announcement: Details on the 2023 opening of the all-wheels pump track.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the BMX track open to the public?
Public access is available outside club competition days, which occur about twice a year. Check the club schedule for current details.
Is there a fee to use the pump track or BMX track?
No fee applies for general public use of either track at Romanes Park.
Is safety gear required?
Yes, appropriate safety gear is required on both the BMX track and pump track.
Are beginners welcome?
Yes, the club and facilities support riders of all levels, including beginners, through regular sessions.
Does the park have toilets and parking?
Public toilets are available during the day and parking is provided at the reserve.
Can the club host events at the track?
Yes, the venue regularly hosts national-level events such as the BMXNZ National Championships.
Is the pump track suitable for scooters and skateboards?
Yes, the all-wheels pump track accommodates BMX bikes, scooters and skateboards.
Who manages the BMX Club?
The Hawke’s Bay BMX Club is a volunteer-run organisation based at Romanes Park.
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