South Pacific
New Zealand
North Island
Greater Wellington
Wellington
Things to do in Wellington
Old St Paul's

Old St Paul's, Wellington

See all things to do

Old St Paul's

See all things to do
See all things to do
Old St Paul's
4.5
1,198
#8 of 218 things to do in Wellington
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
Read more
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
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Plan your visit
See all
The area
Address
Best nearby
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
See all
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
See all
Popular mentions
4.5
1,198 reviews
Excellent
784
Very good
367
Average
43
Poor
2
Terrible
2
flyingeagle2223
Dunedin, New Zealand317 contributions
Beautiful church
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
stunning
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
IT IS A BEAUTIFUL WOODEN CHURCH.
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
Beyond beautiful
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
Lovely old church.
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
A visual treat
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
Wooden church
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
Typical and lovely old church
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
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
joyoftravel2018
Christchurch, New Zealand69 contributions
Intersting
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
Under renovation now
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.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 1,067
Anything missing or inaccurate?
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Frequently Asked Questions about Old St Paul's
Old St Paul's is open:
  • Sun - Sat 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
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
Restaurants near Old St Paul's: View all restaurants near Old St Paul's on Tripadvisor