Ardmore was constructed during World War II for USAAF forces stationed in Auckland by NZ Public Works Department and was intended to be used as a base for fighter aircraft.

From the post-war years until the mid-1970s the grounds were home to a teacher training unit and the Auckland University School of Engineering.

From 1954 until 1962 the aerodrome was home to the New Zealand Grand Prix with the circuit being approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) in length and utilising the two sealed runways operational at the time.

[2] British racing driver Ken Wharton was killed at the NZ Grand Prix at Ardmore on 12 January 1957 when he crashed his Ferrari Monza.

[3] Businesses in the airfield include several flying schools, maintenance, fuel and aircraft restoration.