Iona Church
Iona Church
4
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksChurches & Cathedrals
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4.0
34 reviews
Excellent
12
Very good
14
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Happy Traveller
Sydney, Australia9,149 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
So have been here three times. It seems the church is fully closed due to repairs. It’s still pleasant to walk around … with a great view - made better by a tiny path and steps to the rail line and road to the lookout above. Great view up there
Written 17 January 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.
Luciano P
Naples, Italy1,957 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We spend in Port charmers our 1st January 2024.
After a relaxing walking around and had a cheers 🥂 in the park,we visit this church from outside because unfortunately was close.
Nice atmosphere and green around for make nice pictures.
After a relaxing walking around and had a cheers 🥂 in the park,we visit this church from outside because unfortunately was close.
Nice atmosphere and green around for make nice pictures.
Written 2 January 2024
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.
pandd1946
Batemans Bay, Australia8,226 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
Whilst visiting Port Chalmers recently on board the cruise ship, Celebrity Solstice, we inspected the Iona Church, which is on top of the hill in Mount Street, overlooking the township and harbor, which is an easy walk from the cruise ship dock. This is part of the Union Parish serving Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational Churches. When we inspected the church it was under restoration and repair. Two million dollars in repair work and earthquake strengthening work is being carried out to this historic Church. The church features kauri beams and woodwork, stained glass windows, Port Chalmers bluestone and Oamaru stone. The church is more than 100 years old. If visiting Port Chalmers, it is well worth an inspection to see this historic church and the restoration taking place.
Written 10 February 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.
BCME2010
Sydney, Australia570 contributions
Jan 2019 • Family
Iona Church is open from 1.30pm - 4.30pm when cruise ships dock. The Church currently does not run a Service; Services being run at Emmanuel Church.
The Church is an easy walk from the Port Chalmers Port, where the larger cruise ships doc.
Having arrived on a cruise ship around lunch time (due to fog delays) we decided and so glad we did to simply walk around Port Chalmers...first stop was the amazing Iona Church. Upon entry, I was provided with a double sided A4 piece of paper providing the history of the Church and the site it now sits dating back to the 1800s.
The Pipe Organ on level 2 of the Church is something to see. It would have been an amazing experience to be in the Church for a service.
There is a small display of historical items within the Church as well.
The lovely ladies that opened the Church were very helpful and friendly - happy to provide information about the Church and local sites.
The Church is an easy walk from the Port Chalmers Port, where the larger cruise ships doc.
Having arrived on a cruise ship around lunch time (due to fog delays) we decided and so glad we did to simply walk around Port Chalmers...first stop was the amazing Iona Church. Upon entry, I was provided with a double sided A4 piece of paper providing the history of the Church and the site it now sits dating back to the 1800s.
The Pipe Organ on level 2 of the Church is something to see. It would have been an amazing experience to be in the Church for a service.
There is a small display of historical items within the Church as well.
The lovely ladies that opened the Church were very helpful and friendly - happy to provide information about the Church and local sites.
Written 4 February 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.
Sozlovesholisays
Ipswich, UK1,827 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
We were in a cruise and wandered into port charmers ( about a 5 min walk) and came across this church.
It is worth popping inside, there was a lady playing the organ and a bit of history inside about when this was a bustling port.
Very interesting and nice to talk to the locals Aldi great views as it is up a hill.
It is worth popping inside, there was a lady playing the organ and a bit of history inside about when this was a bustling port.
Very interesting and nice to talk to the locals Aldi great views as it is up a hill.
Written 26 February 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.
James A
Windsor, Canada19,948 contributions
Feb 2016 • Solo
It's an unmistakable structure and one of the first seen from the ship when you arrive in port. It's just up the hill from Mount Street. I understand it is Presbyterian, but can not confirm this, since I know nothing of these matters. I'm not religious but I do enjoy fine art, stone work, architecture and old churches and basilicas have these traits, so I do enjoy seeing them because to me they're art galleries in the purest form. This is a very nice one.
Written 18 March 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.
thesmdm
Auckland, New Zealand1,238 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
If visiting Port Chalmers don't forget to take a look at the Iona Church. The church is a Union parish looking after Methodist and Presbyterian needs. In mid 2012 the church underwent $ 2 million plus upgrade doing repair work and strengthening. The church constructed out of Port Chalmers bluestone and Oamaru stone, has some fantastic stained glass windows and kauri beams. The Church occupies a very prominent position. The church was built between 1871 and 1883 with the town clock installed in the church tower by Little John & Co of Wellington in 1885. Neat photo opportunity.
Written 21 November 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.
Kaye W
Dunedin, New Zealand216 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
Discovered this treasure of a church while 'tiki-touring' around Port Chalmers recently and although unable to go inside was delighted to walk around it to admire its design and the awesome views from its position on the hill. Have subsequently read about the history, heritage category status and restoration plans for this building which is such a valuable part of the early days of the region. Do visit if you are in the area.
Written 27 April 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.
samandhenry
Dunedin, New Zealand547 contributions
Apr 2016 • Solo
Well worth a visit. Beautiful historic church wonderfully restored. Great tribute to the local communty
Written 16 June 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.
Michelle T
Timaru, New Zealand530 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
Had a wee look round this grand building...
Didn't go inside but enjoyed exploring outside. Walked up the steps behind it to continue exploring
Didn't go inside but enjoyed exploring outside. Walked up the steps behind it to continue exploring
Written 15 August 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.
G'day to all Trip Advisor reviewers and Iona Church staff. We are docking at Port Chalmers on a cruise ship next Feb and have two wheelchair bound passengers with us, 4 able bodied and 2 in wheelchairs. Is the road up to the church pusher friendly (not too steep or dangerous) from the where the ship should dock? Also is the church wheelchair accessible to view inside? Any help or ideas on these questions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in anticipation.
Written 1 May 2017
The church itself is accessible to view in but the walk up from town is a little steep and then a little driveway up to the church itself. I had a couple ask me was it worth continuing up to the church itself. The outside is impressive and there are good views of the port.
Written 21 January 2018
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