Last updated May 2026
Emily Place Reserve is a small historic park tucked into a quiet corner of the Auckland CBD, a short walk from the Pullman Hotel on Emily Place. The reserve is modest in size — a triangular green space — but it packs in some of the city centre’s most impressive pohutukawa trees, a significant heritage monument, and a genuinely peaceful atmosphere that sets it apart from the busier waterfront parks nearby.
Practical Information
| Location | Emily Place, Auckland CBD (near Princes Street) |
| Entry | Free, open at all times |
| Features | Pohutukawa trees, obelisk, paved paths, benches, steps |
| Getting there | Short walk from Britomart or Queen Street; no dedicated parking |
| Managed by | Auckland Council |
About the Reserve
Emily Place Reserve is best known for its collection of mature pohutukawa trees — some with branches so heavy they are propped up by steel posts. The trees provide shade and a distinctly New Zealand character to a small urban green space that might otherwise go unnoticed. Sloping grass, formal paving, and a series of steps give the reserve a structured feel that reflects its long history as a civic space in central Auckland.
At the centre of the reserve, where the two main paths meet, stands a monument marking the site of St Paul’s Church — the first Anglican church in Auckland, established in 1843. The monument is a modest obelisk, easy to miss if you are simply passing through, but it marks one of the earliest established institutions in the colonial city. For those interested in Auckland’s early European history, this small reserve holds more significance than its size suggests.
A Quiet CBD Green Space
Emily Place Reserve sees considerably less foot traffic than the waterfront parks and Albert Park nearby, which is part of its appeal. It is a useful stop for a brief rest on a city walk, and the pohutukawa canopy provides cool shade in summer. Benches are positioned along the paths. The reserve connects easily to the city’s wider walking network — the Heritage Trail passes nearby, and the reserve is a short detour from many standard CBD walks.
What visitors say
“The pohutukawa trees here are extraordinary. Some of the branches are genuinely massive and you can see why they need support. Easy to miss from the street but worth walking in.” — visitor account, TripAdvisor
“A peaceful little pocket in the CBD. I didn’t know about the St Paul’s monument until I looked it up — adds a layer of history to what looks like just a small park.” — visitor account, Google Reviews
Where to learn more
Auckland Council — Heritage Walks: Context for the reserve’s place in Auckland’s early colonial history and nearby heritage sites.
Heritage New Zealand — St Paul’s Church Site: Background on the significance of the original St Paul’s Church location.
FAQ
Where is Emily Place Reserve?
The reserve is on Emily Place in central Auckland, near the Pullman Hotel and a short walk from Princes Street and the top of Queen Street.
Is Emily Place Reserve free?
Yes — the reserve is free to enter and open at all times.
What is the monument at Emily Place Reserve?
The obelisk at the centre of the reserve marks the site of St Paul’s Church, the first Anglican church in Auckland, established in 1843.
Are the pohutukawa trees at Emily Place Reserve notable?
Yes — the reserve contains some of the largest pohutukawa trees in central Auckland, with several branches propped up by steel supports due to their size and age.
Is there parking at Emily Place Reserve?
There is no dedicated parking. The reserve is most easily reached on foot from Britomart, the waterfront, or Queen Street.
Emily Place Reserve is one of the smaller but more historically interesting green spaces in the Auckland CBD. For more parks and reserves across the region, see the Auckland Parks and Reserves guide. Nearby, Albert Park offers a larger formal park just a few minutes’ walk away.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.