Emily Place Reserve is a small urban green space on the fringe of Auckland’s CBD, tucked between Parnell and the lower city on a steep escarpment above the harbour. It’s worth knowing about not just as a pocket of greenery — the reserve sits on the site of the first Anglican church in Auckland, built in 1843, and the mature pōhutukawa trees that shade the slopes are among the oldest in the inner city.
Practical Information
| Address | Emily Place, Auckland 1010 (between Parnell and CBD) |
| Hours | Open daily |
| Cost | Free |
| Size | Small urban reserve |
| Heritage | Site of Auckland’s first Anglican church (Christ Church, 1843) |
| Key feature | Mature pōhutukawa trees |
| Nearest transport | Short walk from Britomart / Auckland CBD |
About Emily Place Reserve
Emily Place sits on a terraced ridge on the harbour side of the city, named after Emily Charlotte Russell, wife of an early colonial official. The reserve is small — more of a quiet retreat from the adjacent streets than a destination park — but it carries more history than its size suggests.
Auckland’s first Anglican church, Christ Church, was built here in 1843, just three years after the city was founded as the colonial capital. The church was later demolished, but the site has remained as public open space. Interpretive information about the site’s history is available within the reserve.
The mature pōhutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) trees on the slopes are a significant feature — these sprawling coastal trees, which flower scarlet-red in December, are common along Auckland’s coast but examples of this age and scale in the inner city are increasingly rare. The reserve’s escarpment position means the trees have had space to spread in a way that is unusual so close to the CBD.
The reserve connects with the network of paths in the lower Parnell area and is a short walk from the waterfront, Parnell Village, and the Domain. It’s the kind of place that locals use as a shortcut or a lunch spot rather than a visitor attraction, which is part of its appeal.
Along the Way
Emily Place is within easy walking distance of Parnell Village (cafes, boutiques, rose gardens), the Auckland War Memorial Museum in the Domain, and the waterfront along Quay Street. The Parnell Baths are also close by.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Emily Place Reserve — official park details and heritage information.
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga — information on historic places across New Zealand, including Auckland’s early colonial sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Emily Place Reserve?
The reserve is on Emily Place in central Auckland, between the CBD and Parnell. It’s within easy walking distance of Britomart and the waterfront.
What is the historical significance of Emily Place?
The site was home to Auckland’s first Anglican church — Christ Church — built in 1843. The church no longer stands, but the land has been preserved as public open space with heritage interpretation on site.
What are the pōhutukawa trees?
Pōhutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) are native New Zealand coastal trees famous for their scarlet flowers that appear in December. The specimens at Emily Place are mature examples that are unusual in scale for the inner city.
Is there parking at Emily Place?
Street parking on Emily Place and nearby streets has limited availability. The reserve is best accessed on foot from the CBD or via public transport.
Is it worth visiting as a tourist?
It’s a pleasant stop if you’re walking between Parnell and the waterfront, or interested in Auckland’s early colonial history. As a standalone destination, it’s a short visit — plan to combine it with Parnell Village or the waterfront.
When do the pōhutukawa flower?
Pōhutukawa typically flower in December and early January, when the scarlet blossoms can be spectacular. The trees are worth visiting at other times of year for their form and shade.
Explore more Auckland nature reserves and parks, or visit Ōrākei Basin for another urban nature walk close to the city centre.