Last updated July 2026
Katherine Mansfield Memorial Park is a compact public garden in Thorndon, Wellington, located at the corner of Hobson Street and Fitzherbert Terrace. The park honours New Zealand short-story writer Katherine Mansfield with a Japanese-influenced garden featuring ornamental plantings, a pond, and seating areas. It also incorporates the Lady McKenzie Garden for the Blind and serves as compensatory green space created during motorway construction. Entry is free and the site is open during daylight hours.
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 flat areas |
| Access | Mostly flat with paved and grassed areas; suitable for pushchairs and mobility needs |
About the Park
The park was established in the late 1960s as part of the Wellington Urban Motorway project, which divided parts of Thorndon. It was developed as compensatory green space and designed around three themes: a Japanese-influenced garden, the Lady McKenzie Garden for the Blind, and a memorial garden for Katherine Mansfield.
The Lady McKenzie Garden for the Blind was completed around 1969–1971 and features plants selected for scent and texture. The Japanese-themed sections include layered plantings and a pond. Plantings combine native species such as pōhutukawa and cabbage trees with exotics including cherry blossoms, lavender, azaleas, and hydrangeas.
The park remains largely flat and easy to navigate, providing a quiet green space beside the motorway. It forms part of the Thorndon Heritage Trail.
Katherine Mansfield Connection
Katherine Mansfield (1888–1923) grew up in Thorndon. Her childhood home at 25 Tinakori Road, now the Katherine Mansfield House & Garden, lies a short walk from the park and offers guided tours. The memorial park provides a reflective setting near the neighbourhood where she lived.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, cherry blossoms in season, and the sensory plantings in the Lady McKenzie Garden. Many note the flat paths make it easy for families with pushchairs or those with mobility needs, and the playground adds appeal for children.
Reviewers describe the park as a hidden gem and pleasant stop on heritage walks. They value the combination of Japanese garden elements, seating areas, and proximity to the Katherine Mansfield house museum.
Where to Learn More
Katherine Mansfield House & Garden: Details on the writer’s life, the restored birthplace at 25 Tinakori Road, and visiting information.
Wellington City Council Parks and Reserves: Information on Wellington’s parks network and green spaces.
National Library of New Zealand: Archival records on the park’s establishment during the motorway project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Katherine Mansfield Memorial Park free?
Yes, the park is free to enter and open during daylight hours.
Where is the park located?
It sits at the corner of Hobson Street and Fitzherbert Terrace in Thorndon, on the southeast side of the Wellington motorway.
What is the Lady McKenzie Garden for the Blind?
A section designed with plants chosen for scent and texture, intended for visitors with visual impairments. It was completed around 1969–1971.
Is the park flat and accessible?
Yes, it is mostly flat with paved and grassed areas, making it 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 and open for guided tours.
Does the park have a playground?
Yes, playground equipment is available for children.
Are there Japanese garden features?
Yes, the park includes Japanese-influenced sections with layered plantings and a pond.
Is the park part of a heritage trail?
Yes, it lies on the Thorndon Heritage Trail.
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