Waiapu Anglican Cathedral, Napier, New Zealand
Waiapu Anglican Cathedral, Napier, New Zealand
Waiapu Anglican Cathedral, Napier, New Zealand
4.5
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4.5
77 reviews
Excellent
38
Very good
32
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
0
ITRT
Virginia38,577 contributions
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 29 March 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, UK544 contributions
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 26 November 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, UK6,010 contributions
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 21 November 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.
Jules C
13 contributions
Oct 2022
Contains a beautiful working giant organ. Features beautiful carvings in old timbers. A lovely place to sit and contemplate. A must see visiting Napier
Written 25 October 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.
nzdragon
New Plymouth, New Zealand29 contributions
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 20 May 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.
Chris C
Auckland, New Zealand15 contributions
Sept 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 19 October 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 Zealand20,170 contributions
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 27 July 2020
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Jeff1903
King's Lynn, UK1,566 contributions
Mar 2020
It was rebuilt in the 30's after the earthquake and is very much of its time. Light and bright it still seems modern when compared with the gloomy gothic cathedrals of Europe. Well worth a look.
Written 7 March 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.
Clarity A
19 contributions
Sept 2018
A beautiful place to visit and see the architecture and history associated with it. Depending on the your choice of detail information you can spend from one hour to 3 hours. The staff is very friendly too.
Written 7 May 2019
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.
homesteads
Brentwood, UK596 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
Definitely worth an hour of your time. The staff on hand are very nice and friendly and will tell you the story of the Cathedral. There is a lot of history associated with this building. To much to detail here but look it up and you will find it very interesting.
Written 10 April 2019
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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Frequently Asked Questions about Waiapu Anglican Cathedral, Napier, New Zealand
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