Location: Wellington waterfront | View map
Brief description: The park:
- has tiered amphitheatre-style seating area for picnics and small outdoor events (if you want to hold an event, see: Events on the waterfront)
- hosts the following artworks:
- Albatross sculpture (Tanya Ashken)
- Fruits of the Garden sculpture (Paul Dibble)
- Water Whirler sculpture (Len Lye)
- Sundial (Charles Stone)
- play area (under development).
Accessibility: Most of the park is flat. There are steps and a ramp linking upper and lower parts of the park.
Dogs: Dogs must be kept on a leash, except for the children’s play area where they are not allowed at all.
History: Prior to land reclamation, which took place from 1970-1973, the Frank Kitts Park site was on the doorstep of Te Aro Pā, a rich food gathering area. More recently it was part of the commercial port, which meant public access was not permitted. In the late 1980’s the park as we know it today was developed for public use, as the land was no longer required by the Wellington Harbour Board for commercial port purposes.
The design of the park was heavily influenced by the annual street car race that ran through the area at that time. The seaside promenade was the start grid for the race and is the reason why the promenade is flanked by a high wall on its city side – to ensure spectator safety.
The park was named after the city’s mayor Sir Francis Joseph Kitts.
Management and development of the park is guided by the Wellington Waterfront Framework. The park is managed by the Parks, Sport and Recreation unit at Wellington City Council.
Frank Kitts Park playground
The original playground at Frank Kitts Park was built in 1989 and has been Wellington’s most popular spot to play over the years.
We’re working on a plan to rebuild the playground – find out more on the Frank Kitts playground redevelopment page.
Fale Malae proposal
Visit Kōrero Mai | Let's Talk to find out how we’re engaging with key stakeholders and the broader Wellington community on the proposed Fale Malae in Frank Kitts Park.