About ActivZone
ActivZone is an indoor roller-skating arena and multi-sport centre on Auckland’s North Shore, at 30 Downing Street, Glenfield. Managed by Auckland Council Leisure, it’s part of the Glenfield Pool and Leisure Centre complex. The venue’s standout feature is a giant smooth skating rink equipped with professional lighting and sound systems, plus an on-site skate rental shop and small café. This open-floor arena hosts rollerblading and quad-skating, inline hockey and other wheeled sports – as well as indoor soccer, netball, and table tennis – making it much more than just a rink. The bright, lively atmosphere (with upbeat music and colorful lights, especially during disco nights) gives ActivZone a “fun zone” vibe that appeals to kids and adults alike.
Known locally as the home of skating on the North Shore (aucklandleisure.co.nz ), ActivZone has been part of the community for decades. Generations of Aucklanders have learned to skate here, often via school holiday programmes or weekend sessions. Several local sports clubs use the facility: the North Shore Artistic Roller Skating Club practices here, as do roller derby teams and the North Shore table tennis club (aucklandleisure.co.nz ) (aucklandleisure.co.nz ). These community ties mean ActivZone’s impact is cultural as well as recreational – it’s a neighbourhood hub where people meet to play sports, hold birthday parties, and enjoy skate sessions. For locals it’s a familiar landmark, an active-family gathering spot that has helped foster New Zealand’s roller-sports scene on the Shore.
Events and Programming
ActivZone runs a packed schedule of skating sessions, classes and special events. Public skate sessions are offered daily – typically after-school afternoons and evenings during term time, with longer weekday and weekend morning hours in school holidays. Weekly recurring events are a highlight: for example, every Friday night in term time the arena turns into a disco party (7–9pm) with loud music and colored lights, and every Friday morning has a family-friendly “Coffee Club” skate (10am–12pm) where parents enjoy free coffee (aucklandleisure.co.nz ). These session events are open to all ages and skill levels and cost roughly NZ$8–$9 per person (including skate hire). Skateboard-style classes and programmes are also on offer – from “Learn to Skate” lessons and adult rollerblading classes to home-school group sessions (recently run through early 2022) (www.eventfinda.co.nz ).
Beyond drop-in skating, ActivZone hosts organized sports and club activities. Local motorsports leagues and teams regularly use the floor: Auckland Roller Derby holds bouts here, and inline hockey and mini-soccer competitions are common. Special events have included themed skate parties (costumes, games and prizes) and novelty nights – for instance, in December 2023 a family event called “Astro Rodeo: Cowboys vs. Aliens” took place on the rink. Birthday party and private-event bookings are very popular: party packages (with skate hire and tables) run about $12.80–$19.30 per child (aucklandleisure.co.nz ). Arena hire hours (about $107 per hour) let sports clubs or groups rent the whole floor. With its versatile setup, ActivZone can seamlessly switch from casual drop-in fun to multi-team tournaments.
As far as pricing goes, casual skate tickets are budget-friendly: currently around $9.10 for an adult session and $7.50 for a child (aucklandleisure.co.nz ), with a family deal (two adults + two kids) at about $26.30 per session. Skate or helmet hire is extra (roughly $4.80 for skates, $2 for a helmet) (aucklandleisure.co.nz ). Table tennis is even cheaper – about $7.50 adult/$4.30 child for casual play (aucklandleisure.co.nz ) – and spectators at either activity enter free. Multi-visit pass packs (10-entry cards) are available at a discount (for example, ten adult skates for ~$81.90). Notable past events and clubs make this place special: the Auckland Roller Derby League (ARDL) and local artistic skating tournaments often call ActivZone home (aucklandleisure.co.nz ) (aucklandleisure.co.nz ). Overall, the programming mix – from open skate sessions to community leagues and themed parties – keeps the venue buzzing almost every day of the week.
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for ActivZone are sold on-site and through Auckland Council’s leisure booking channels. In practice you can usually just show up at reception and pay for whatever session you want. There’s no central commercial box office or online resellers for casual entry. For busy sessions and events (like holiday programmes or roller disco nights), it’s wise to arrive early since entry is first-come, first-served. Standard practice is pay-as-you-go: show your confirmation or walk in and buy a session ticket (cash or card). Multi-visit passes and family deals mentioned above can be purchased in advance to save money.
If you’re planning a group visit, private party or event, bookings are handled directly with ActivZone. You can contact the centre to arrange arena hire or party packages. Note that a refundable deposit (around $50) is usually required to reserve a birthday party (aucklandleisure.co.nz ), and then booking is confirmed with payment of the session fees. For meeting-room or party-room hire (tables and cake area), rates are about $32 per hour. Arena hire (full rink) runs about $107.30 per hour (aucklandleisure.co.nz ), with discounts available for off-peak times and community groups. The centre’s staff will guide you through the booking form and payment – there isn’t a public ticket collection desk or email ticketing system. In summary: casual tickets and skate hire are front-counter purchases, while any advance booking (parties, classes, full-rink hire) is done via the leisure centre’s normal reservation process.
Seating and Layout
ActivZone’s interior is one large, open hall. The polished floor rink stretches across the centre with safety rails around it, but there are no fixed stadium seats. Spectators simply stand or sit around the rink edges. In practice you’ll find benches, tables and chairs placed around the walls and near the café area – or you can stand by the railings to watch. In other words, viewing is general admission. Families often wedge themselves on the side with tables if they have kids. During disco parties, the whole space fills up and people mingle freely.
There are no tiered levels or balconies; everyone is on one flat level. This means there’s no “bad seat” – but it also means you might need to move for a clear view if a crowd forms. The hall’s acoustics are lively: disco music can echo off the walls, and announcements carry clearly. If you prefer a quieter corner, a good spot is near the skate shop or far corner, where conversations and music are somewhat muffled. The lighting is normally bright and even (sports-hall style), but at themed events colored spotlights and strobe effects are used around the DJ booth. Generally, for the best experience stand right behind a railing near the action. Just be mindful of flying objects (like pucks or balls from hockey/netball) if games are underway. Overall, the flexible layout is geared for participants, so as a guest you circulate freely rather than occupy assigned seats.
Getting There and Parking
ActivZone is easy to reach. It’s located in Glenfield (North Shore Auckland), right next to the Glenfield Pool and Leisure Centre (73-77 Bentley Ave). The street address is 30 Downing Street, which is just behind Glenfield Mall and a block from Glenfield Road (State Highway 1). If you’re driving, follow signs for Glenfield Town Centre or Glenfield Mall and turn into Bentley Avenue or Downing Street. There is a large free car park serving the leisure centre – simply park and walk straight into ActivZone. On busy days this lot fills up, but nearby side streets still have short-term parking.
For public transportation, several bus lines go to Glenfield Mall (Downing St). From downtown Auckland, you can take a Northern Express (NX) service to Constellation Drive and connect by local bus, or catch an “OuterLink” bus that goes directly to Glenfield. The nearest bus stops are at Glenfield Mall or Glenfield Pool (a 1–2 minute walk away). Auckland’s only rail lines are on the mainland, so no train stops here – buses are the key. After exiting the bus at Glenfield Mall, walk west on Downing Street and you’ll see ActivZone’s entrance on your left. If you use a taxi or rideshare, ask to be dropped off on Downing Street by the main doors.
In summary: by car there’s plenty of free parking onsite, and a clear driving route off the motorway. By bus, aim for Glenfield Mall. The area is flat and straightforward, but allow a few extra minutes to walk from the bus exchange or find parking. Late at night, keep in mind that Auckland bus services may not run past about 10pm on weekends, so pre-book a taxi if you plan to stay late.
Inside the Venue
When you enter ActivZone, you’ll check in at reception. Staff will confirm your tickets or pass, and ask you to sign a safety disclaimer. There’s usually a quick bag check (for prohibited items) but it’s a very family-friendly environment. Once inside, you’ll see the skate rental desk – ActivZone hires out quality skates (adult and child sizes) and helmets if you need them. They carry Bauer and Mission brand rentals (aucklandleisure.co.nz ). If you brought your own skates or helmet you can change and store gear here; otherwise pay the rental fees ($4.80 for skates (aucklandleisure.co.nz ) and optionally $2 for a helmet (aucklandleisure.co.nz )) at the counter. Socks are required with rental skates (always bring or buy a pair to avoid blisters).
Near the entrance there is a small café/kiosk area where you can get coffee, water and snacks. (Glenfield Pool’s Third Wave café is adjacent, but ActivZone has its own counter for quick drinks.) Food from outside is not permitted on the rink, and glass bottles are not allowed on the arena floor. Restrooms are located just off the lobby and are clean and accessible – an important consideration if you have kids. There is no coat-check room, so lockers are limited; the best approach is to leave valuables locked in your car or keep belongings on a bench. The building is wheelchair-accessible at the main level, and an accessible toilet is available near the entrance. There is free Wi-Fi in the leisure centre, though signal strength can vary.
While skating, staff supervisors keep an eye on safety. Helmets are now required by Council policy for all skaters (with rentals available for $2) (aucklandleisure.co.nz ), and the rules stipulate sensible skating (no high-speed running into crowds, etc.). During disco hours, the sound system pumps pop music and the lights flash – it feels like a mini roller disco club. On normal sessions, the mood is more relaxed with just background music. If you get thirsty or sore, you can sit on observation benches around the rink or grab a bar stool by the café. The on-site skate shop (at one side of the hall) sells extra pass-over shoes, protective gear (pads, gloves), and some ActivZone-branded souvenirs. Overall, inside it feels like a well-run community sports centre: energetic and friendly. Arrive at least 10–15 minutes early for your session to get fitted for gear and quickly get up to skating speed.
Nearby Amenities
Glenfield offers plenty for pre- and post-skate. Right next door is Glenfield Mall, where you’ll find fast-food outlets (KFC, Subway, and local takeaways), a supermarket, and a food court with Asian, pizza, and burger restaurants. Along Glenfield Road (the main street) and at nearby shops there are cafés, bakeries and fish’n’chip shops – so you can grab a casual meal or late lunch before your skate. For a sit-down meal, there are family-friendly diners and a few ethnic restaurants within a short drive. If you’re planning to sit and relax after skating, The Postman’s Leg (a local pub on Downing Street) is popular for beers and snacks. Otherwise, most people eating out will use the mall’s eateries or head to nearby Takapuna or Albany (just a few minutes away by car) for a wider selection of bars and restaurants.
Hotels are not common in Glenfield suburbs: the nearest full-service hotels are in Takapuna/Birkenhead (about 5–10km away) or central Auckland. If you need to stay overnight, many visitors book in the central city or North Shore hotels and drive. For quick rest stops, Glenfield Pool’s in-house cafe (Third Wave) is open most of the day. Banking and other essentials are available at the mall (ATMs, pharmacy). Late-night transport can be limited – buses taper off after 10pm – so most people leave by 8–9pm when ActivZone closes. In short, Glenfield has all the basics: parking, shops, and eateries, with more options a short drive north or south along the Shore.
What Makes This Venue Special
ActivZone is special because it combines fitness, fun and community in one place. It’s not a glitzy arena or stadium, but for North Shore locals it’s iconic. Many adults can still remember learning to skate here as children. Those memories make ActivZone the site of often-cherished rites of passage – from early wobbling on wheels to hosting kids’ birthday parties and family outings. There’s a very friendly, inclusive spirit: if you’re a local athlete, you train alongside school groups enjoying casual skate time. Because it’s council-run, entry and programmes stay affordable, which endears it even more to neighbourhood families.
The atmosphere is another factor. Unlike a sealed gym or cinema, ActivZone feels like a giant fun house. The colourful lights and thumping music at disco nights give it a party-on-wheels character. Even on normal days, the open layout (wooden floor, high ceilings painted in bright mural colors) feels airy and communal. The centre also has a versatile role: it helped spawn the Auckland Roller Derby League and hosts its battles, it sees competitive table tennis matches and even indoor-soccer scrimmages. Its multi-use design (no permanent stage or set) means it can transform based on community needs – a practice hall one day, a birthday party venue the next. These traits – a long local history, a family-friendly friendly vibe, and a one-of-a-kind skating focus – give ActivZone a unique character. In short, skaters love it and families appreciate it because it offers active entertainment in a way that’s truly tailored to the community’s spirit.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: ActivZone is wheelchair and pram accessible. The entrance and rink are all on one level (no stairs), and there is an accessible toilet near the front. (Of course, wheelchairs can’t skate on the rink, but companions with mobility aids can watch from the sidelines.) Staff are used to accommodating children and those with needs, so don’t hesitate to ask for help.
What to bring: Wear comfortable activewear and clean sports shoes (you’ll swap for skates). Always bring a pair of socks if you plan to rent skates – they are required. Parents should bring a change of clothes and water bottles for kids. If you have your own rollerblades and helmet, you’re welcome to use them (though the facility will still require any valid insurance or waivers). A lockable small bag is handy since permanent lockers are limited. The venue is indoors so weather won’t affect your skate – rainy days are perfect for ActivZone!
Safety gear and rules: Helmets are now mandatory for all skaters, so plan to wear one (rental helmets are available for $2 (aucklandleisure.co.nz )). The staff will show you proper skating areas; always stay behind the safety rails when not on skates. If you have young children, keep them within arm’s reach on the sidelines until they are ready to enter the rink. Don’t bring any glass bottles or sharp objects (there are trash bins outside the rink for water bottles).
Tickets & Passes: No advance booking is needed for most drop-in sessions. You can always show up 5–10 minutes early to buy entry and rentals. For busy times (Friday disco, school holiday afternoons) it’s better to come early to avoid the session filling up. Multi-visits passes must be pre-purchased through the centre or online; these give you a lower per-skate rate if you plan to come often. Group bookings (like school trips or parties) should be arranged in advance through the centre’s booking line.
Common mistakes to avoid: The rink can be more slippery than it looks – beginners often underestimate how fast they move on wheels. Tie your shoelaces tightly before stepping onto skates. Use the rubber-coated skate bench when putting on skates to avoid falls. Also, remember that you’ll get hot if skating vigorously – some first-timers wear a light jacket that they can peel off when warm. Finally, plan your ride home: remember that Shore buses may be less frequent late at night, and phone reception is good but if you rely on ride-share apps, service in Glenfield may slow down after 10pm.
Other tips: If visiting regularly, look into the 10-visit pack or “zone passes” which significantly cut costs per skate. Free skate days sometimes happen during community events (check local noticeboards). Follow Auckland Council’s updates for any new programmes (like new skate classes or holiday events). And perhaps most importantly: arrive ready to have fun and don’t be discouraged by a few tumbles – even experienced skaters fell in their early days at ActivZone. With a laid-back dress code (casual sports clothes are fine) and an open, friendly culture, it’s easy to feel welcome. Finally, if you lose anything, the staff are known to be helpful (they even reunited a guest with a lost wallet, based on customer reviews) (thefamilycompany.co.nz ) – just inquire at reception.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to skate at ActivZone?
Drop-in entry is very affordable: currently an adult skate session is about NZ$9.10 and a child is NZ$7.50 (aucklandleisure.co.nz ). A family deal (2 adults + 2 children) is around $26.30. Skates can be rented on-site for about $4.80 more, and helmets hire for $2 (helmets are now mandatory). You can also buy multi-visit passes (10 skates for ~$82) to save money. Table tennis casual play costs about $7.50 for adults, $4.30 for kids (aucklandleisure.co.nz ), with free entry for spectators.
Are skate and helmet rentals available?
Yes. ActivZone has a skate hire shop on-site. Quality rollerblades and quad skates (in youth and adult sizes, up to US13) are available for rent (aucklandleisure.co.nz ) at about $4.80 per pair. Helmets are highly recommended and now mandatory; you can rent one from reception for just $2 (aucklandleisure.co.nz ). If you have your own gear, you’re welcome to use it instead. All skaters must wear socks with rental skates.
How do I book a party or private rink hire?
For birthday parties or private arena hires, contact the centre directly to book. Party packages are sold per child (around $12.80–$19.30 each) and require a $50 deposit (aucklandleisure.co.nz ). You can reserve a space by using the council leisure booking form or by calling ActivZone’s main office. They’ll give you details on available dates, times and any special room rental fees (the arena itself can be hired at about $107.30/hr (aucklandleisure.co.nz )). It’s best to book early, especially for weekend and holiday dates.
What are the public skate session times and special events?
ActivZone has daily public sessions, with specific hours that change during school terms and holidays. Typically afternoons after school and weekends are open skate times. Weekly special sessions include the Friday Morning “Coffee Club” (10am–12pm during term) and Friday Night Disco (7pm–9pm) (aucklandleisure.co.nz ), both for all skill levels. During school holidays they often extend hours (e.g. morning sessions on weekdays). Check the latest schedule on Auckland Council’s leisure site or call ahead. Note that all weekday public holidays are closed. The facility also holds themed sessions and roller sports competitions from time to time, which they announce in advance.
How do I get to ActivZone by public transport?
Take any bus that goes to Glenfield Mall or Glenfield Pool. Several North Shore routes end at Glenfield Mall (the bus terminus on Glenfield Road), which is just 1-2 minutes’ walk from ActivZone (down Downing Street). From Auckland city, you can take an NX (Northern Express) or other Shore bus and transfer to a Glenfield line. There is no train service on the North Shore, so bus is the main option. When you get off the bus at Glenfield, walk west along Downing Street, and you’ll see the leisure centre and ActivZone on your left. After 6pm or on weekends, bus frequencies drop off, so consider Uber/taxi if traveling late.
Is there parking available and is it free?
Yes. There is a large free car park shared with Glenfield Pool & Leisure Centre right next to ActivZone. Enter via Bentley Avenue or Downing Street. On busy days this lot can fill up, but additional short-term street parking is nearby. The shopping area around Glenfield Mall also has parking. Just be sure to obey any posted time limits. Overall, parking is ample and free for ActivZone visitors.
Are there seating or stands for spectators?
No fixed stands – ActivZone is general admission. Spectators stand or sit on benches and chairs around the edge of the rink. There are tables and benches along the walls and by the cafe. Best viewing spots are right behind the transparent safety rails at rink-side. Because it’s all one flat space, you can move around freely to watch. Children usually stand with parents by the railing. In short: come expecting to find your own spot on the sidelines rather than an assigned seat.
Can I bring my own skates and helmet?
Absolutely. If you have personal rollerblades or quad skates, you’re welcome to use them. The same goes for helmets (though they must meet safety standards). Just check in with staff first. You will still pay the normal entry fee but you won’t need to rent gear. Of course, wearing helmets (own or rented) is mandatory for every skater now, and children’s safety gear is recommended. If you don’t have your own skates or helmet, you can rent them on-site easily (aucklandleisure.co.nz ) (aucklandleisure.co.nz ).
Are there age limits or supervision requirements for kids?
There’s no strict age restriction, and kids of all ages skate here. For safety, parents are advised to supervise young children. In practice, toddlers or youngsters who can’t skate independently usually sit with an adult until they are ready. Staff will require a guardian to sign a waiver for minors, and children often use “training aids” like stability carts. Under-5s typically need a parent to help them on the floor. In summary: everyone is welcome, but very young skaters should have an adult close by.
Is ActivZone wheelchair accessible?
Yes. ActivZone is flat at ground level and fully wheelchair accessible. The entrance has no steps, and there is an accessible restroom near the front. While wheelchairs obviously can’t go on the rink, visitors with mobility issues can easily move around tables and watch from the sidelines. The staff and facility accommodate all visitors – just mention any special assistance needs at reception when you arrive.
What can I bring inside and what’s not allowed?
Bring socks (for skate rentals), water bottles, and personal skates/helmet if you have them. You can also bring a small bag of belongings. Nothing valuable – lockers are limited. Forbidden items include outside food/drink (except water), glass containers, and any hard or dangerous items on the rink. Mobile phones are allowed to take pictures or videos, but watch out below as skaters can slip. In general, treat it like a gym: shoes on only in spectator areas, no gum or food in the rink, and keep your belongings tidy.
What should I wear to skate?
Wear comfortable activewear or gym clothes – shorts or track pants and a t-shirt are good. Some people wear a light sweater that they can remove as they warm up. Athletic shoes are needed for changing; you’ll swap them for skates. Wear long socks (like crew socks) with skate rentals to prevent blisters. Avoid very loose trousers that could catch under skates. In summary: anything sporty and flexible so you can move easily, and a pair of socks to put on under skates.
Are outside food and drinks allowed?
No. Outside food (except water) and alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the rink area. There’s a café on premises where you can buy coffee, drinks and snacks. If you have a child with a special dietary need or baby food, staff will usually allow it, but check with reception. Plan to eat before or after you skate. Drinks should be in spill-proof containers on the sidelines only.
Is there a dress code or anything I shouldn’t wear?
There’s no strict dress code beyond “sports attire.” Just wear comfortable clothes with sleeves and cover shoulders (especially if you might fall). No offensive graphics or gang patches, in line with general Council rules. Footwear off on the rink – all skaters must wear skates or beginner shoes. Avoid high heels or flip-flops. And no loose belts or lanyards, since they can catch. Basically, dress like you’re going to play sports or dance – that covers it.
How early should I arrive for a busy skate session?
For busy times (Friday discos, summer afternoons, school holidays), give yourself about 15–30 minutes early. That lets you buy tickets, gear up and find a spot without rushing. If it’s a quiet weekday session, you can arrive just a few minutes beforehand. Generally, arriving 10-15 minutes before the listed start time is enough to get organized. Keep in mind that holiday periods can fill up fast, so planning ahead is best.
What discounts or membership passes are offered?
ActivZone offers several ways to save. You can buy 10-visit passes for adults, children or table tennis – these work out cheaper per visit. During weekdays between 9am–3pm, the venue applies an off-peak discount (about 20% off the listed rates) if you book a hire during those times (aucklandleisure.co.nz ). Regular hirer (clubs or schools that book often) can get extra discounts too. Community groups meeting certain criteria get a 30% discount. When combined against the base rate, these can stack up to a 55% maximum discount on hall hire. Check with staff for detailed pricing on season passes or group rates.
What clubs or leagues use ActivZone?
Several local clubs call ActivZone home. The North Shore Artistic Roller Skating Club practices there regularly (aucklandleisure.co.nz ). The Auckland Roller Derby League holds jams and training sessions (they even note ActivZone as their training venue) (aucklandrollerderby.com ). The North Shore Table Tennis Club meets at ActivZone (aucklandleisure.co.nz ). Other skate sports like inline hockey (Papatoetoe Roller Sports Club) also use the floor (aucklandleisure.co.nz ). If you’re interested in joining a club, you can contact them directly via their websites or Facebook pages (links are often posted at ActivZone). Otherwise, many casual teams and leagues rent the arena for weekend competitions and games.
Can visitors see any famous or historic events here?
ActivZone isn’t a concert hall, so it doesn’t host rock stars or headline concerts. Its “famous moments” are mostly local: derby league championship bouts, community charity skate events, or quirky theme parties that get photo coverage. It has held regional roller derby competitions and is known in skate circles, but it’s best appreciated as a corner of family entertainment rather than a large-scale concert venue.
Is photography or video allowed inside?
Yes. You are free to take photos or videos of your group while at ActivZone. Many families and friends record skating sessions or competitions. Just be considerate: avoid flash photography that could blind skaters, and don’t trip others with your phone. The staff do not usually restrict personal photography. (If you want to film a professional video, it’s best to check with the centre first.)
