Old St. Paul’s

Nestled in the Wellington suburb of Thorndon, Old St. Paul’s Cathedral stands as a striking Gothic Revival church, built in 1866 from rich brown native timber. Its impressive interior, featuring curved timber arches reminiscent of an old wooden ship’s hull, is lined with stained glass windows and a bold triptych behind the altar. Managed by Heritage New Zealand, the church no longer holds Sunday services but welcomes visitors almost every day of the year. Inside, an interactive exhibition, “Read This Building,” details its construction. Visitors can explore the cathedral on guided tours for a small fee or enjoy a picnic on the leafy grounds on sunny days. Entry is by donation, and the gift shop offers locally made souvenirs, with proceeds supporting the cathedral’s preservation.