Discover Katherine Mansfield Memorial Park
Katherine Mansfield Memorial Park is a charming, tree-lined park located on the southeast side of the motorway in Thorndon, Wellington. This park is just a short walk across the Hobson Street motorway bridge from Katherine Mansfield House on Tinakori Road. The park's pathways connect Hobson Street and Molesworth Street, linking to Wellington’s Parliament Precinct and Central Wellington. The northside walkway offers pleasant views over the sunken motorway, extending across residential Thorndon to Tinakori Hill.
A Tribute to Katherine Mansfield
In 1933, Harold Beauchamp, the father of the renowned writer Katherine Mansfield, established a memorial in her honour. This took the form of a tramway shelter designed by William Young, who had recently completed the Wellington Railway Station. Additionally, a nearby side street was named Katherine Avenue.
Initially, the surrounding area was suburban, but the construction of the Wellington motorway in the 1960s divided Thorndon and led to land acquisition for the development. Following the motorway's completion, reserved land was used to create the park. A new memorial was created with a pergola, seating, a shallow pool, and a plaque from the earlier monument.
Gardens and Features
The park is home to the Lady McKenzie Garden for the Blind, providing a sensory experience for all visitors. Additionally, a Japanese garden has been added, enhancing the park's tranquil atmosphere.
How to Get There
Katherine Mansfield Memorial Park is within walking distance of Central Wellington. From the central triangle station, take Bunny Street north, which becomes Molesworth Street. This takes past the Parliament Precinct and St Paul's Cathedral to the park.
Other walkable locations include the Wellington Harbour walk, Wellington Botanic Gardens, Te Papa and Oriental Bay.
