Last updated May 2026
Katherine Mansfield Memorial Park is a small, carefully designed public garden in Thorndon, on the corner of Hobson Street and Fitzherbert Terrace. The park honours Katherine Mansfield — New Zealand’s most celebrated short-story writer, who grew up nearby in Thorndon — through a Japanese-themed garden layout combining ornamental planting, a pond, and quiet seating areas. Entry is free.
Practical Information
| Location | Corner of Hobson Street and Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open daily during daylight hours |
| Admission | Free |
| Facilities | Seating, picnic benches, playground equipment, accessible paths on the flat areas |
About the Park
The park was created in the late 1960s as part of Wellington’s urban motorway construction — the motorway cuts through Thorndon nearby, and this park was developed alongside it as a piece of compensatory green space. It was designed with three themes: a Japanese-influenced garden layout, the Lady McKenzie Garden for the Blind (built around 1969, featuring plants chosen for scent and texture), and a general memorial garden for Katherine Mansfield.
The planting is a mix of native and exotic species: pohutukawa, cabbage trees, and native shrubs alongside cherry blossoms, lavender, azaleas, and hydrangeas. The Japanese-themed sections feature layered plantings with a pond corner. The park is nice and flat, making it easy to walk through.
Katherine Mansfield in Thorndon
Katherine Mansfield (1888–1923) grew up in Thorndon and is regarded as one of the finest short-story writers in the English language. Her childhood home at 25 Tinakori Road — Katherine Mansfield House & Garden — is a short walk from this park and is open for tours. The memorial park provides a quiet reflection point near the neighbourhood where she grew up.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council — Parks and Reserves — full list of Wellington’s green spaces.
FAQ
Is Katherine Mansfield Memorial Park free?
Yes — the park is free and open during daylight hours.
Where is the park located?
Corner of Hobson Street and Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon — on the southeast side of the Wellington motorway as it passes through Thorndon.
What is the Lady McKenzie Garden for the Blind?
A section of the park designed with plants chosen for their scent and texture rather than visual appearance, intended to be enjoyed by people with visual impairments. It was built around 1969.
Is the park flat and accessible?
Largely yes — the park is mostly flat with paved and grassed areas. It is suitable for pushchairs and those with mobility needs.
Is Katherine Mansfield’s house nearby?
Yes — Katherine Mansfield House & Garden at 25 Tinakori Road is a short walk away in Thorndon and is open for guided tours.
Nearby: Katherine Mansfield House & Garden at 25 Tinakori Road offers guided tours of the writer’s childhood home. For more Wellington parks and reserves, see Wellington Parks and Reserves.
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