Te Aro-Wellington Central, Wellington City

Wellington Writers Walk

Wellington City Walks

Close by the Circa Theatre on Wellington’s waterfront you may see words written in concrete - a quotation from the writing of late Bruce Mason, one of New Zealand’s foremost post-World War Two playwrights.
They read:
“I ask not only that my city, but all, give themselves to the essence of our cult – the ritual assembly of an interested coterie in a space where magic can be made and miracles occur.”*The quotation, inviting people to enjoy the wonders of theatre, is well placed but, more than that, it is part of an unusual project to bring the capital’s rich literary heritage to public notice by way of a pleasant walk along its waterfront. Bruce Mason’s words are at the fifth of eleven “stations” on the Wellington Writers Walk. The walk begins outside the Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa), near the Chaffers Marina, where some well-chosen words from the works of Katherine Mansfield may be read. Continue along the promenade in front of the museum and you’ll come next to words in concrete by the late James K Baxter, poet, then to a phrase by Iris Wilkinson, better known as Robin Hyde, who died tragically young; next again to a curious statement by Bill Manhire, poet and teacher of writing; and then to the Bruce Mason quotation.

As you walk along, all the time to your right is the harbour, where, depending on the weather, you are likely to see a crew or two of rowers training, or jet-skiers having some fun. Further offshore there may be yachts chasing the wind, people having lunch on a launch, and perhaps one of the big ferries leaving for the South Island.

The Wellington waterfront is, without doubt, one of the most interesting and popular walks the capital city has to offer. The Writers Walk which is part of it continues with quotations at intervals from the writings of Patricia Grace, Maurice Gee, the late Pat Lawlor, Vincent O’Sullivan, Lauris Edmond and finally, as you reach Frank Kitts Park, the late Denis Glover.

You can stop here for a rest or to step back into the city, or you can continue your waterfront promenade all the way to the railway station. The Wellington Writers Walk was the idea of the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Society of Authors. They wanted visitors and residents alike to become more aware of the city’s literary heritage, which is why all of the quotations are from writers with a strong Wellington connection.

The quotations appear as a series of large, concrete, typographical sculptures. They were designed by Catherine Griffiths, a Wellington designer and typographer. Some of them are easy to spot, while one or two may take a minute or two to search out. You may be able to find a free booklet about the Writers Walk, including a location diagram, in city bookshops. The walk can take as little or as long as you have time for, from twenty minutes or so to an hour or two.*

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  • Monument

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