Waiapu Anglican Cathedral, Napier, New Zealand

Waiapu Anglican Cathedral, Napier, New Zealand

Waiapu Anglican Cathedral, Napier, New Zealand
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles77 reviews
Excellent
38
Very good
32
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
0

ITRT
Virginia46,380 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • Couples
According to their brochure, the Waiapu Cathedral in Napier, New Zealand is “the first cathedral in the world to see each new day”. It is the fourth church built on this site and links Māori and European cultures. The cross above the altar is made of wood and glass with a red center symbolizing the eternal presence of God. The baptistry windows depict the childhood and baptism of Jesus. The beautiful stained-glass rose window is behind the cross hanging above the altar. Other stained-glass windows depict the Annunciation, Transfiguration, Crucifixion and Resurrection. Adorning the walls are wooden plaques carved by a parishioner and are traditional symbols of Christianity. Other features include the Canterbury Cross made of 14th century nails, the Māori Chapel, and the display of signs telling the story of the cathedral from its beginning to today. The organ, according to a brochure, was rebuilt in 2013. For those interested in organs, this one has four mantels, 72 stops, and nearly 4000 pipes and is considered one of the largest in New Zealand. The Māori Chapel is located behind the main altar. Recommend a visit.
Written March 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michael K
London, UK550 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022
The first building had collapsed during the earthquake of Feb 3rd 1931. Unlike the rest of the city centre, it was not rebuilt in Art Deco style, but in the Modernist style, and opened in 1965. This means it is very like St Edward’s Mottingham and St Michael’s Sydenham (two churches in Southwark diocese, UK), but on a much larger scale. Good stained glass in the aisles, by Beverley Shore-Bennet of Wellington. An interesting suspended cross above Nave Altar, by Brian Grouden, 1975. It looks empty when you see it from straight on, but from the side, the body of the crucified Christ can be seen in relief. The East End became a Māori chapel when the focal point moved to the nave altar in the 1970s. The Pihopa’s (bishop’s) chair has Māori decoration and the features of the apostles at the Last Supper are Māori. The organ was new in 2013 by local firm, the South Island Organ Company.
Written November 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

PBPG
Yorkshire, UK8,486 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022
Built in the 1960s to replace a temporary structure that itself replaced the original structure lost in the 1931 earthquake. It is very art deco structure. Very clean lines inside with some great stained-glass windows. The is a cross of nails sent by Coventry Cathedral that was destroyed 10 years later. Friendly guides.
Written November 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chris C
Auckland, New Zealand14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020
This is a gorgeous cathedral in the middle of Napier. If you're around for a Sunday service, as I have been a few times, and for funerals, the choir and the organist are a beautiful, audio treat. I feel it's a shame that religion is taking something of a back seat (or pew) these days as places like this were central to so many lives even 25 to 30 years ago in New Zealand. Many people who only visit churches for Christenings, weddings and funerals are missing out on the communities which were built up around these places as people have moved away from The Church. For those who are still interested, you won't be disappointed with your visit, just make it more memorable by attending a service to get the full effect.
Written October 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Acineto
Auckland Central, New Zealand23,972 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2020
Just happened upon the cathedral while walking around town. I didn't go inside but did walk around the front area which had a fountain and a very large cross. The cathedral was quite large and had a very large tower with a cross on top of it. It was quite an interesting looking building.
Written July 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

nzdragon
New Plymouth, New Zealand25 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021
Nice place to visit, great windows. Not sure if always open as church door was looked on First visit. Hope to hear the amazing looking organ one day.
Written May 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

REO-LTL
Vancouver, Canada257 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2016 • Couples
Check out the Maori art in the sanctuary at the back. Beautiful and appropriate. Dramatic space. Free but leave five dollars in the collection box to pay for this experience!!
Written December 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

nickcooper186414
Salisbury, UK59 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2015 • Family
Earthquake risk percentage of 20, with impressive architecture and fittings. A House of God which reflects the past but also looks to the future - unfortunately its opening times are dependent on the availability of volunteer staff.
Written August 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

maurice e
Whakatāne, New Zealand138 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2017 • Family
We went to the 10am Eucharist this morning. My first time in the present Cathedral since I went to the wooden Cathedral as a boarder at NBHS. many years ago. On our visit to Napier we had to attend and pleased we did. I must congratulate the choir. The have some beatiful and powerful voices. thank you..
Written September 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

elsner2016
Due West, SC88 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2017 • Business
Rich in details, this cathedral celebrates the combined heritage of all peoples of Anglican faith. Beautiful Maori mats on the rear of the chancel are worth walking up to look at. There is a well-done and informative history display behind the font that celebrates the history and resilience of the church.
Written January 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Waiapu Anglican Cathedral, Napier, New Zealand

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