Glen Innes is a lively, multicultural suburb nine kilometres east of the city centre with a strong community feel. The station on Apirana Avenue is well served by buses and is the eastern terminus of the Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai shared path — one of Auckland's best walking and cycling routes. A short walk from the station you'll find good local cafes, a celebrated community restaurant, and the large Colin Maiden Park sports complex.
Food & Drink
A good selection of independent cafes and restaurants within easy walking distance of the station — including one of Auckland's most unique dining experiences.
Merchants Espresso and Eatery
Right on Apirana Avenue a short walk from the station — a welcoming neighbourhood café with great Allpress coffee, a generous food menu and a large covered outdoor area that's dog-friendly. The creamy chicken and mushroom fettuccine and breakfast dishes are popular with regulars. Friendly, fast service and reasonable prices. Opens at 6am weekdays, 7am weekends. Open 7 days.
Mon–Fri 6am–3pm · Sat–Sun 7am–2:30pm
Hong Kong Kitchen
A traditional Cantonese neighbourhood restaurant on Apirana Avenue — roast pork, pancake duck, handmade BBQ pork buns, garlic vegetables and sizzling pepper steak. The $17 lunch deal (wonton soup plus a main) is excellent value. "Lovely little place tucked away in GI." Friendly and humorous staff. Upstairs for larger groups. Closed Mondays and Sundays.
Tue–Sat 11am–8:30pm · Closed Mon & Sun
One of Auckland's most unique and beloved dining experiences — a community restaurant where talented chefs transform rescued surplus food into beautiful 3-course meals, and guests pay what they can (suggested koha $10–$20). A new menu every service, always with a vegetarian option. Warm, friendly volunteer staff and a genuinely special community atmosphere. Wheelchair accessible. Bookings recommended for groups of 6+. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings only.
Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu 6–8pm (last sitting 7:45pm) · Closed Tue, Fri, SatColin Maiden Park
A large multi-sports park about 1km from the station — home to several major sporting facilities including New Zealand's netball centre, cricket grounds and the University of Auckland's Tāmaki campus.
A large and well-maintained multi-sports park in St Johns, adjacent to the University of Auckland Tāmaki campus. Home to cricket grounds (natural and artificial pitches, practice nets), football fields, the Auckland Netball Centre, the University Cricket Club and substantial free parking. Open 24 hours, free entry to the park.
Open 24 hours · Free entry · Free parking on site
New Zealand's premier netball facility — spacious indoor and outdoor courts, a café with hot food and coffee, and a large events space used for conventions, exhibitions and birthday parties. Reviewed as "absolutely spotless" and "light, bright and impressive." The Saturday morning café opens at 7:30am during the competition season. Free parking. Mon–Sat.
Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Sat 8am–4pm · Closed Sun
Auckland University Cricket Club
The home ground of the Auckland University Cricket Club — natural and artificial pitches, practice nets and a clubhouse with a bar and food (beef burger famously generous). Several grades of cricket play here through the season. Great view from the clubhouse. Open to visitors during match days.
Match days and training — check with club
A well-maintained football reserve adjacent to Colin Maiden Park — AstroTurf pitches in good condition, spectator stands and free parking. Used extensively by football clubs and training sessions. "Nice, clean sports place — good for football and training." Bring your own food and drinks as there's no café on site.
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Check with clubs for evening/weekend accessCommunity & Leisure
Glen Innes has a strong community arts and leisure scene — a beautiful music and arts centre, an indoor skatepark and a BMX track.
A beautifully designed community music and arts centre on Line Road — a striking building with a 150-seat auditorium, rehearsal rooms, event spaces and studios available for hire. Home to regular performances, creative workshops, sip-and-paint events and community events. "Beautiful building with great activities the community can enjoy." Friendly, young and professional staff. Mon–Sat. Free parking on site.
Mon–Fri 9am–7pm · Sat 9am–4pm · Closed Sun
One of Auckland's best indoor skateparks, operated by East Skate Club on Omaru Lane. Coaches Aaron, Michael and Amber are passionate and welcoming — helmets and skateboards provided, making it accessible for complete beginners. Beginner lessons available, popular birthday parties, and a supportive community atmosphere that gets kids (and adults) confident and stoked. Affordable entry. Open daily evenings from Mon–Fri, noon on weekends.
Mon 6–10pm · Tue, Thu, Fri 4:30–10pm · Wed 5:30–10pm · Sat 12–10pm · Sun 12–6pm
A well-loved community BMX track on the Merton Road Reserve — "absolutely epic, great place for the little ones." Participant support for riders of all levels, with an off-leash dog park adjacent. Mon/Tue afternoons and Wednesday evenings. "Awesome track, my kids love riding here." A great outing for families — free entry during open sessions.
Mon–Tue 4–7pm · Wed 5:30–8pm · Closed Thu–SunTe Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai
Glen Innes is the eastern terminus of one of Auckland's finest shared walking and cycling paths.
Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai — Glen Innes to Tamaki Drive
One of Auckland's finest shared paths starts right at Glen Innes Station — a dedicated walking and cycling route running all the way to Tamaki Drive, with only one road crossing. The path winds through native bush (including Kepa Bush Reserve), past a historic cemetery, the Orakei Basin tidal lagoon and farmland. Scenery ranges from creek to coastal to native forest. Accessible for prams and all fitness levels, with some moderate slopes. At the other end, Ōrākei Station gives you a train back — making it a perfect one-way trip on the Eastern Line.
Open 24 hours · FreeBus Routes
Bus stops on Apirana Avenue outside the station connect to the eastern suburbs, the city and Newmarket.
| Route | Serves | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| TMK | Tāmaki Link — Glen Innes ↔ Britomart via Ōrākei, Mission Bay, St Heliers & Tamaki Drive | Frequent |
| 75 | Glen Innes ↔ Wynyard Quarter via Remuera Rd & Newmarket | Frequent |
| 74 | Glen Innes ↔ Britomart via St Johns, Panmure & Ōtāhuhu | Frequent |
| 76 | Glen Innes ↔ Britomart via Kohimarama Rd & Eastridge | Connector |
| 744 | Glen Innes ↔ Botany via Pakuranga | Connector |
| 747 | Glen Innes ↔ Botany via Stonefields & Mt Wellington | Connector |
💡 The Tāmaki Link runs along the full length of Tamaki Drive — useful for reaching Mission Bay, St Heliers and the eastern bays. Route 75 connects Glen Innes directly to Newmarket and the Southern Line. The Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai path means you can also walk or cycle all the way to Ōrākei Station and catch the train back. Always confirm at at.govt.nz.
⚠️ Ratings and hours can change. Google Maps ratings were current at the time this page was last updated. Always check a venue's own website or Google Maps for current hours. Bus route information sourced from Auckland Transport — always check at.govt.nz for current timetables.