Last updated July 2026
Emily Place Reserve is a compact triangular pocket park in Auckland’s CBD at the southern end of Princes Street. It offers mature pohutukawa trees, a historic obelisk, and a calm atmosphere amid the surrounding city streets. The reserve sits on the site of the former Point Britomart and the original St Paul’s Church. It provides a quiet contrast to busier nearby green spaces such as Albert Park. Auckland Council manages the reserve, which remains open at all times with free entry.
Practical Information
| Location | Emily Place, Auckland CBD (end of Princes Street) |
| Also known as | Te Rerenga Ora Iti |
| Entry | Free, open 24 hours |
| Features | Mature pohutukawa trees, Churton Memorial obelisk, paved paths, benches, steps |
| Getting there | Short walk from Britomart Station or Queen Street; no dedicated parking |
| Managed by | Auckland Council |
About Emily Place Reserve
Emily Place Reserve occupies a small triangular plot that once formed part of Point Britomart on Auckland’s original shoreline. The site later hosted the first St Paul’s Church, Auckland’s earliest Anglican church, which stood there from the early 1840s until 1885. Today the reserve preserves mature pohutukawa trees whose spreading branches create a distinctive canopy over the grass and paths.
At the centre of the reserve stands the Churton Memorial obelisk, erected in the mid-1850s to honour Reverend John Frederick Churton, chaplain to the colonial garrison. The monument sits among the pohutukawa trees on the former church grounds and is listed by Heritage New Zealand. Formal paving, steps, and seating give the space a structured layout that reflects its long civic history.
The reserve forms part of Auckland’s network of pocket parks and connects to nearby heritage trails. Recent council-led improvements have focused on making Emily Place and the adjacent reserve more pedestrian-friendly while celebrating the area’s pre-European shoreline and native vegetation.
A Quiet CBD Retreat
Emily Place Reserve attracts fewer visitors than the waterfront or Albert Park, offering a peaceful spot for a short rest during city walks. The pohutukawa canopy provides shade in summer, and benches line the paths. The reserve links easily into the wider central-city walking network and serves as a convenient detour for those exploring Auckland’s early colonial heritage.
What Visitors Often Say
The pohutukawa trees stand out for their size and gnarled branches that sometimes require support. The space feels like a hidden pocket that rewards a short detour from main streets.
Visitors appreciate the calm atmosphere and the historic obelisk that adds unexpected depth to what appears at first to be a simple small park.
Where to Learn More
Heritage New Zealand: Details on the Churton Memorial and its connection to the former St Paul’s Church site.
OurAuckland: Overview of Emily Place Reserve among other central-city pocket parks.
Progress AKL: Information on the Emily Place improvements project and placemaking initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Emily Place Reserve located?
The reserve lies on Emily Place at the southern end of Princes Street in Auckland’s CBD, near the Pullman Hotel.
Is Emily Place Reserve free to visit?
Yes, entry is free and the reserve is open at all times.
What is the obelisk in Emily Place Reserve?
The Churton Memorial obelisk honours Reverend John Frederick Churton and stands on the site of Auckland’s first St Paul’s Church.
Are the pohutukawa trees at Emily Place Reserve notable?
Yes, the reserve contains mature pohutukawa trees whose large, spreading branches create a distinctive canopy and sometimes require support.
Is there parking at Emily Place Reserve?
No dedicated parking is available; the reserve is best reached on foot from Britomart Station or Queen Street.
Does Emily Place Reserve have a Māori name?
Yes, it is also known as Te Rerenga Ora Iti, referencing the former headland at Point Britomart.
Who manages Emily Place Reserve?
Auckland Council manages the reserve and has undertaken recent improvements to enhance pedestrian access.
Is the reserve suitable for a short rest during a city walk?
Yes, its quiet setting, shade from the trees, and benches make it a convenient stop on central Auckland walking routes.
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