St Paul's Cathedral — Local services in South Island

Built in 1918/9 the front part of the Cathedral ticks every "this is a Cathedral box". Sitting high above the city square, the front leaves you in no doubt that it commands respect. Inside the entrance is just as grand with high stone pillars supporting a very high ornate ceiling. Then I believe back in 1919 they run out of money and the alter end of the Cathedral was not completed. Some years later they decided to complete the cathedral and instead of completing it in the same style to complete the Cathedral look, they tacked on some exposed concrete pillars and breeze blocks for modern church look. It looks so out of place and wrecks the cathedral ora. It turns 5 star cathedral into a 3-4 star church. Such a pity. Go to the front and take photos just of the back section, looks...

Purely from a tourist point of view, it's hard to ever think there's something worth docking a star rating from a century+ old church, but being unable to visit it and enjoy the stained glass windows after 4pm does put a damper on the experience; just one more hour would be nice especially for travelers who don't come into town til that time or later usually. St Paul's stands tall above the octogon which makes for an even more beautiful sight in combination with the town hall next door. My only last thought is it wasn't as grand on the inside or ceiling as compared to the many I've seen across the world, but we are in a relatively small town so this is still far more impressive than anything we...

Lovely building. Grand but peaceful. Interesting mixture of neo gothic and modern. Very well designed and the old and new parts contrast in a way but also blendo well together. Very uplifting. Went to evensong. My partner is not particulaly religious but found it meaningful. Calm and deep. Lovely dean (vicar/ptiest) seemed humble and very genuine. It took me to another level altogether. Few people in the congregation but that was fine. True devotion. The choir are excellent. There is a real quality here in general. Thoughtful and open. Can only say a big thank you. Thanks - it...