Author:  Maria Alfano

On your next trip down under, these beautiful New Zealand churches are a must-see.  Whether you are a believer or just someone who loves art and architecture, you cannot visit New Zealand and skip over these masterpieces.  They exemplify the style of the nation.

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to New Zealand.  Yes, you can go to the beach, play golf at some top-notch links, and shop till you drop.  Come along on the journey as we travel across the country to explore these marvelous wonders. 

New Zealand is a secular nation that believes religion is a private matter.  And, no one religion is more important than the next.  The state does not claim any formal religion.  Having said that, this island nation does not disappoint with some of the most beautiful churches you will ever see.

Beautiful New Zealand Churches You Must See In Person

Rich in history and architecture, the churches of New Zealand leave you breathless.  While Christianity is the most practiced religion, Hinduism is the fastest-growing religion over the last 7-10 years.  A road trip from the north to the south could take you 26 hours if you drive non-stop and meet good weather conditions. With the luxury of time, a road trip is a perfect way to explore the country while checking these amazing churches off your list.  This post will show you some of the most spectacular churches in the country with each one more striking than the next.

Northern New Zealand Churches

For a conventional tour, start at the top of the country and work your way south.  The north is home to white sandy beaches, lots of sunshine, and good wine.  Not a bad way to start your adventure.

Let’s Go

Christ Church (Russell, NZ) – is considered the oldest church in New Zealand.  Records show the first service was held on Jan 3, 1836.  The church was originally a simple rectangle structure that was rebuilt in 1871 into the current building which includes a bell tower, v-shaped roof with buttresses, and a front porch.  The simplistic design and use of materials, speak to the style the Georgian architecture.  The style of the day was a rectangular shape with symmetrical windows, ground floor verandahs, and a hipped roof.

Cathedral of St Patrick & St Joseph (Auckland, NZ) – was originally built in the 1840s.  From the time of erection to the early 1900s, this church has undergone many renovations.  It still stands on the original grounds that were granted by the government to Jean Baptiste Pompallier who was the first catholic bishop of New Zealand.  It too was built in the Georgian style but is a much larger structure and more grandiose than Christ Church (above).

Taranaki Cathedral (New Plymouth, NZ) – commonly called the Church of St Mary’s.  This is the newest cathedral in New Zealand.  From 1842 to 2010, it was an Anglican church.  In 2010 it was consecrated as a cathedral that joins 2 dioceses – Waikato and Taranaki.  This magnificent stone building reflects the gothic revival style.  It was rocked by an earthquake and is undergoing structural maintenance for the safety of all visitors.

Old St Paul’s (Wellington, NZ) – this gothic church is considered one of New Zealand’s greatest historical sites.  Home to the Anglican church from 1860 to the early 1960s.  The new St Paul’s is just a city block away.  The beauty of this church is so captivating it is difficult to take it all in.  The woodwork, stained glass, and overall craftsmanship are bar none!

Central Churches

Drive along the scenic routes of this gorgeous country to seek out the marvels of the central regions.

Rangiātea Church (Otaki, NZ) – located at the base on the north island just before crossing in the southern region, Rangiātea Church was completed in 1851.  It took 7 years to complete this Georgian-style church.  If the rectangular shape and symmetrical style don’t give it away, the extended exterior buttresses are a huge hint to the period.

St Dustan’s Church (Clyde, NZ) – this simple gothic revival-style church was built in 1903 to replace the original church of St Mary that was destroyed by a storm in the early 1870s.  It’s considered a heritage site.  It is one of the first creations of New Zealand-born architect Francis William Petre.

Southern New Zealand Churches

Cross into the southern island to continue your road trip and discover some more awe-inspiring churches aesthetics and wonderful designs.  This region is home to 2 of my favorite New Zealand Churches.

Church of Good Shepherd (Canterbury, NZ) – this quaint church was built in the mid1930s.  It boasts magnificent views of the mountains.  Church of the Good Shephard is a church for all people and it is considered non-denominational.  Services are held several here times throughout the year.  For how pretty the surroundings are, photo geeks are rarely permitted to take pictures of the interior of this sacred place.  It is one you must see.

Cardboard Cathedral (Christchurch, NZ) – officially named the Transitional Cardboard Cathedral.  Thailand has a Buddhist temple made from discarded beer bottles.  New Zealand has a cathedral made of cardboard tubes, shipping containers, and poly carbon roofing.  This ultra-modern cathedral was designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban.  This building was meant to be the temporary home of the Anglican arch-diocese after the original structure was destroyed by the earthquake in 2011.  But, since it was finished in 2013 it continues to be the home of the diocese.

First Church of Otago (Dunedin, NZ) – is a 148-year-old New Zealand church (built around 1873).  The building has the gothic revival style reminiscent of the Duomo in Milan.  It was dedicated to those who had fallen in the war.  Not to mention, the belfry supports a massive bell imported from Scotland.

In Summary

New Zealand is home to hundreds of churches spread across the country.  From quaint Georgian architecture to ultra-modern, each of these New Zealand churches is stunning in its own right.  You would be remiss to travel there and not take the time to visit at least one of these wonders.

We would love to hear from you.  Which one of these have you seen personally?  Is there a favorite that we did not mention?  This post was all about the beautiful, historical, and modern churches in New Zealand.