The Centennial Park Pump Track is an 800 m² asphalt circuit built by Velosolutions, sitting inside Timaru’s Centennial Park mountain bike reserve under a canopy of large pine trees. The 129-metre loop is designed for continuous flow riding — no pedalling required once you’re moving, just pumping through the rollers and berms. It suits everyone from young children learning balance and bike control to experienced riders working on technique. Free to use and open year-round.
Practical Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Centennial Park, Timaru (within the mountain bike area) |
| Surface | Smooth asphalt |
| Track length | 129 m loop |
| Track area | 800 m² |
| Suitable for | Bikes, scooters, skateboards — all skill levels |
| Cost | Free |
| Hours | Open daylight hours year-round |
| Facilities | Toilets, BBQs, playground and lake at nearby Centennial Park hub |
The Track
Pump tracks work on momentum: riders use their body weight to generate speed through a series of bumps (rollers) and banked corners (berms) without needing to pedal. The Centennial Park circuit follows this format — the smooth asphalt surface and well-designed geometry mean even first-timers can get moving quickly. For younger or beginner riders, it’s an excellent environment to build balance and bike handling. For more experienced riders, it’s a place to refine flow and technique on a short, repeatable loop.
The track was built by Velosolutions, a Swiss company specialising in asphalt pump tracks, and is maintained by the South Canterbury Mountain Bike Club in partnership with the Timaru District Council. It sits within the broader Centennial Park mountain bike trail network, so riders can combine the pump track with the MTB trails through the valley.
What’s Nearby
Centennial Park has a recreational lake (swimming and kayaking permitted), free gas BBQs, picnic areas, a children’s playground and toilets — all within walking distance of the pump track. The BMX freestyle area is located near the suspension bridge over Otipua Creek, also within the reserve. From the park, cyclists can connect to the Otipua Creek Walkway and the coastal wetlands network.
South Canterbury MTB Club — Pump Track — club page with track information and current conditions.
PumpTrack.com — Timaru — track listing with photos, dimensions and rider reviews.
Trailforks — Centennial Park — maps and trail information for the full Centennial Park MTB network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the pump track in Timaru?
Inside Centennial Park, within the mountain bike reserve area. Access via Centennial Park Road on the southwestern edge of Timaru.
Who built the Timaru pump track?
It was built by Velosolutions, a Swiss company known for asphalt pump track design, in partnership with the South Canterbury Mountain Bike Club and Timaru District Council.
Is the pump track suitable for children?
Yes — the smooth asphalt surface and flowing design make it suitable for children on bikes or scooters. Younger children should wear helmets.
Can I use a skateboard or scooter on the pump track?
Yes — the track suits bikes, scooters and any wheeled equipment that can flow through berms and rollers.
Is there parking at Centennial Park?
Yes — the lake area car park is the main parking area for the park, a short walk from the pump track.
The pump track is part of the wider skate parks and youth riding facilities in Timaru. Centennial Park also has walking tracks and mountain bike trails.
