Must Visit Churches in New Zealand
Every church in the remotest corners of New Zealand is a great destination for a tourist to visit especially if you are looking to experience some great spectacles of architecture and feel closer to divinity.
New Zealand is a land dominated by the religion of Christianity owing the credit mostly to colonisers, despite most of the churches being less than 200 years of age. Every church in the remotest corners of New Zealand is a great destination for a tourist to visit especially if you are looking to experience some great spectacles of architecture and feel closer to divinity.
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St. Dunstan’s Church
Location – Clyde, South Island
This church is listed as a Category 2 Historic Place and is also a Gothic-revival style church. This church was also designed by Francis Petre who is discussed in another church on this list. He is given credit for the construction of many churches in New Zealand. The church is known for its entire being built on stones that were quarried locally.
Old St. Paul’s
Location – Wellington, North Island
The church owes its existence to the Anglicans of England who constructed it between the years of 1865-66 and it is seen to be one of the greatest heritage sites in New Zealand. The Church survived a demolition scare as another St. Paul's has been built a few streets away. The beauty of the rustic and old school timber gothic architecture attracts tourists, weddings, and other religious occasions to the church.
Church of Good Shepherd
Location – Lake Tekapo, South Island
This church is undoubtedly one of the most scenically located structures in New Zealand. The backdrop of the beautiful Lake Tekapo and the distant peaks of the tallest Mt Cook make the surrounding landscape of this church make this a more worthy visit. The serenity and calmness offered by nature here make you feel closer to the other world. The foundation was laid in 1935 and it was built as a memorial to the people of the Mackenzie region.
The church is loved by tourists although photography is not permitted inside, there is a spectacular Night Sky tour organised here as the Milky Way galaxy’s beauty is at its best in the Dark Sky Reserve of this region.
Cathedral of St. Patrick and St. Joseph
Location – Auckland, North Island
This church is better known as the St. Patrick's Cathedral. The Church is the main cathedral for the Bishop of Auckland since 1848. The Church was established on the original grounds that were handed over to the First Catholic Bishop of New Zealand by the British. It underwent major transitions and extensions in the last 150 years through its journey starting as just a chapel to now being one of the most famous cathedrals in New Zealand with a seating capacity of 700. The Church’s appearance is said to be similar to those designed by Walter Robinson and is a Category I heritage site in the country.
First Church of Otago
First Church of Otago
Location – Dunedin, South Island
The church is located in the heart of the city in Moray Place and was designed by Robert Lawson. The famous gothic style architecture of the church known for the unique features like stained glass windows which are here dedicated to soldiers fallen in war pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and ornate decoration are imminent in this church. It was constructed in the year 1862 and it's unique and 57m long spire is wonderful to behold. The Scottish roots of the British settlers are visible in the construction and the functioning of the Church. This Church is also a category I heritage site in New Zealand
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Location – Nelson, South Island
This church was built in 1856 and is a Category A Historic building. The church was renovated in the year 2000 and the atmosphere surrounding the building is divine as well set in a background of mountains. The church’s white colour sets in perfectly with the ambience of the town and makes it a worthy visit.
The smallest National Park in New Zealand but by far one of the best when it comes to the coastline, rich and diverse marine life and the white-sand beaches with turquoise waters. The park is a haven for both adventure and relaxation. Read more about Abel Tasman National Park.
Christ Church
Location – Russell, North Island
This church is also a scenically located in the Bay of Islands and is the oldest surviving church in New Zealand, possibly one of the oldest buildings in New Zealand constructed in 1835. Originally it was a simple structure with only a small chapel but it has grown with a new name, a fancy v-shaped structure with a porch, gallery, and buttresses. The first-ever service was conducted in the year 1836 at this church and both English and Maori were spoken. There is a digital cemetery tour that lets you meet some interesting people buried in the church cemetery.
Cardboard Cathedral
Location – Christchurch, South Island
This church is a current transitional cathedral being used while the Christchurch cathedral is being built. The architecture of this church is brimming with modernity and was constructed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. It consists of numerous triangular stained glasses and cardboard tubes from where it gets its name.
St. Patrick’s Basilica
Location – Oamaru, South Island
The Basilica is also known locally as Oamaru Basilica and was designed by Francis Petre who was a famous architect focusing on the revival of Gothic architecture. The church’s construction began in 1893 and was open to the public for services from the next year despite its completion taking place only in 1918. A sad note to the Basilica is how Petre died two days after its completion making this Church one of his most celebrated and loved works. The three dome structure with its classic portico and intricate stone carvings make this a beautifully constructed church.
Rangiatea Church
Location – Otaki, North Island
The original Rangiatea Church which was the oldest Maori-Anglican church in New Zealand was burned down by arsonists in 1995. The original church took 7 years to complete between the years 1844-51. Now there stands a remarkable replica of the original one which was constructed in 2003. The church’s most notable aspect is the combination of Maori and Anglican elements in its construction. You can bear testimony to the fine nuances of an architectural marvel that is unspoilt and relatively young.
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The Maori are a warrior race of the indigenous Polynesian population of New Zealand. They came to New Zealand in several waves of voyages from Polynesia around 1300 AD. As they remained isolated from mainland New Zealanders, they developed a distinct culture, tradition, and language. Is NZeTA valid for multiple visits?
Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your New Zealand eTA. If you are from a Visa Waiver country then you can apply for an eTA regardless of the mode of travel (Air / Cruise). United States citizens, Canadian citizens, German citizens, and United Kingdom citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA. United Kingdom residents can stay on New Zealand eTA for 6 months while others for 90 days.