Old St Paul's
Old St Paul's, Wellington
Old St Paul's
Old St Paul's
4.5
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
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11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
About
Take a seat in this quiet sanctuary and breathe in the beauty of the architecture, stained glass windows and richly coloured furnishings. Become part of the Old St Paul’s story. Constructed between 1865 and 1866 from native timbers, Old St Paul’s is one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the world. The building is a handsome sight from the outside. Inside, it is simply breathtaking. Spectacular lighting gives the interior a rosy glow, enriching the appearance of brass fittings, stained glass windows and exquisite illuminated panels. It is a glorious riot of colour and light, with excellent acoustics a memorable accompaniment. No longer a parish church, but still consecrated, Old St Paul's is non-denominational, and is proudly cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Old St Paul’s is a unique venue for musicians, poets, authors, jugglers, thespians, and corporate offerings alike – suitably atmospheric and beautifully dramatic. It is also the perfect lo
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
822 within 5 kms

The Thistle Inn
856
0.2 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • Pub • Gastropub

Portlander
854
0.6 km$$ - $$$ • Steakhouse • European • Grill

Bellamys by Logan Brown
58
0.4 km$$$$ • New Zealand • Vegetarian Friendly

MariLuca Ristoro
186
56 m$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Jardin Grill
172
0.6 km$$$$ • European • Grill • Contemporary

Hillside Kitchen and Cellar
231
0.7 km$$ - $$$ • New Zealand • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

The Backbencher Gastropub
315
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Gastropub • New Zealand • Vegetarian Friendly

Dhana Eatery
25
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Contemporary • Vegetarian Friendly

Thorndon Chippery
155
0.1 km$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Seafood • Fast food

Artisan
165
0.6 km$$$$ • European • Contemporary • New Zealand
Attractions
171 within 10 kms
Bishopscourt
35 mHistoric Sites • Religious Sites

National Archives
24
96 mHistory Museums • Government Buildings

National Library
42
0.2 kmLibraries

He Tohu
12
0.2 kmSpeciality Museums • Children's Museums

Nga Taonga Sound & Vision
8
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks

New Zealand Parliament
1,924
0.3 kmGovernment Buildings

Invisible City Outdoor Sculpture
1
0.2 kmMonuments & Statues

Northern Explorer Train
595
0.3 kmScenic Railroads

Wellington Cathedral of St. Paul
100
0.2 kmReligious Sites

Wellington Railway Station
203
0.4 kmHistoric Sites
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Popular mentions
4.5
1,198 reviews
Excellent
784
Very good
367
Average
43
Poor
2
Terrible
2
flyingeagle2223
Dunedin, New Zealand317 contributions
Apr 2021
I did run out of time to view the inside of this church but loved the outside all the same, next time I return to Wellington I plan to visit again and take a look around the inside :)
Written 9 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Roni Wright
Ross, New Zealand15 contributions
May 2021
Such a beautiful old church. So stunning inside. Well worth a visit. Would go again to see it. So peaceful inside
Written 5 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Naina-Damani
London, UK1,032 contributions
Mar 2020
Old St Paul’s is a historic site and it is city’s landmark. It is an Anglican Church and it is a heritage place which is beautiful and made of wood.
Written 11 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
bertie101_12
Melbourne, Australia72 contributions
Dec 2020
This would have to be the most beautiful church Ive been in. It was an added bonus that I visited at Christmas time and it was decorated accordingly , but it would be worth a visit any time at all. Just stunning.
Written 6 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Robin103
5 contributions
Nov 2020
We were here for a christening, and thought the church was so beautiful and well looked after. We were shown the beautiful cloth displays in a cabinet, they are well worth taking the trouble to look at.
Written 11 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TURNERO
Napier, New Zealand42 contributions
Jan 2020
I hadn't really planned on seeing this church, but I noticed it was open when we drove past so took the opportunity to have a look. I remember thinking it was cute from the outside, but it belies just how glorious it is inside. It was all solid wood and lush red carpet with full size Christmas tree and glowing lights giving it an incredible sense of joy and warmth. The original 19th century wooden framework in the ceiling was worth the visit alone. It was a surprise, though not disturbingly so, to find a small souvenir shop tucked away to the side near the front with beautiful items for sale, including lovely postcards of the church. I'm told the church hosts local choral concerts from time to time - I'll definitely want to return to experience that in such inspiring surroundings. It would be magical.
Written 6 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TravelinSuz
Chandler, AZ943 contributions
May 2019
This is a grand old wooden church to replicate its large marble ones in Europe. The wood work is amazing.
Written 26 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Garry
Mornington, Australia64 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Love the leadlighting, beautiful archituaral, peaceful, nice to sit and reflect
Not a religious person, but understand the peacefulness of such a beautiful setting
Well worth a look, whilst doing the Parliament thing
Not a religious person, but understand the peacefulness of such a beautiful setting
Well worth a look, whilst doing the Parliament thing
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
joyoftravel2018
Christchurch, New Zealand69 contributions
Feb 2020
St Pauls is worth a look. Not the most visually atrractive shurch I have ever been in but worth a quick visit.
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jotum
Knoxville, TN1,402 contributions
Feb 2020
This is currently closed to the public due to major reconstruction work being performed. You can walk around the outside but not see much
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jamesimorrison2000
Melbourne, Australia31 contributions
Were any nails used in the construction?Sorry first question wrong.
susanht3
Martinborough, New Zealand14 contributions
I don't know. Suggest you google the church which should have information on its history
jamesimorrison2000
Melbourne, Australia31 contributions
Were any nails unused in the construction?
Oleh C
Adelaide, Australia202 contributions
Unable to help with that one
Frequently Asked Questions about Old St Paul's
- Old St Paul's is open:
- Sun - Sat 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- We recommend booking Old St Paul's tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 9 Old St Paul's tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Old St Paul's:
- (0.13 km) Quest On Thorndon
- (0.11 km) Aitken on Mulgrave
- (0.32 km) The Dwellington
- (0.10 km) Stay at St Pauls
- (0.57 km) Bolton Hotel
- Restaurants near Old St Paul's:
- (0.04 km) Fiebigs
- (0.06 km) MariLuca Ristoro
- (0.17 km) The Thistle Inn
- (0.14 km) Thorndon Chippery
- (0.11 km) Sipriana