St Mary’s-in-Holy Trinity Auckland
Historic Gothic Revival church hosting enchanting Candlelight Concerts and cultural events.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Full candlelight ambiance
St Mary’s-in-Holy Trinity Auckland
Best Time
Full candlelight ambiance

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Gothic Revival church hosting enchanting Candlelight Concerts and cultural events.
"The most amazing space to enjoy the KBB Music Festival."
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Secure your spot for Candlelight Concerts 2-3 weeks prior, especially for popular themes. :ticket:
✨ Evening Show for Ambiance
Opt for evening concerts to fully experience the magical candlelight atmosphere. :candle:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Candlelight Concerts
Main Sanctuary
Experience live music in a stunning, candlelit setting. A truly magical and memorable event.

Stunning Gothic Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Admire the intricate details and soaring arches of this beautiful historic church.
KBB Music Festival Venue
Main Sanctuary
A premier location for Auckland's vibrant music scene, hosting diverse performances.
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Candlelight Concerts
Embrace the Ambiance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Secure your spot for Candlelight Concerts 2-3 weeks prior, especially for popular themes.
:ticket:✨ Evening Show for Ambiance
Opt for evening concerts to fully experience the magical candlelight atmosphere.
:candle:Has anyone been to the Candlelight Concerts? How are they?
🚶 Arrive Early for Best Seats
Get there ahead of time to explore and snag good seats within your ticketed section.
:running:🎶 Enjoy the Live Music
The string quartets are exemplary, offering a wonderful musical experience.
:musical_score:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Secure your spot for Candlelight Concerts 2-3 weeks prior, especially for popular themes.
:ticket:✨ Evening Show for Ambiance
Opt for evening concerts to fully experience the magical candlelight atmosphere.
:candle:🚶 Arrive Early for Best Seats
Get there ahead of time to explore and snag good seats within your ticketed section.
:running:🎶 Enjoy the Live Music
The string quartets are exemplary, offering a wonderful musical experience.
:musical_score:📸 Photo Ops Available
Consider paying for a photo opportunity if you want a special memento.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the magical ambiance and excellent acoustics of St. Mary's-in-Holy Trinity, especially for Candlelight Concerts. The quality of the musicianship is frequently highlighted as a major positive, creating memorable experiences. Some minor drawbacks include the use of electric candles and occasional seating discomfort, but these are generally overshadowed by the overall enchanting atmosphere.
"Candlelight Coldplay was amazing, spine tingling sensations throughout the night. A true masterpiece to experience."
Hidden Dragon
"The most amazing space to enjoy the KBB Music Festival"
Martin Hamill
"It was a very unique event! Our group of 4 loved the ambience, venue and the music selection. The string quartet was quite exemplary. Everything was well organized and flowed effortlessly. Thank you for a memorable evening!"
Zel Allen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Mary's-in-Holy Trinity is centrally located in Parnell, Auckland. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options, including buses, also serve the Parnell area.
While street parking is available in the Parnell area, it can be limited, especially during events. It's advisable to check for nearby parking buildings or consider public transport.
Yes, several bus routes service the Parnell area, making it accessible via public transport from various parts of Auckland. Check the Auckland Transport website for specific routes and schedules.
The church is a short drive or bus ride from Auckland's CBD, typically around 5-10 minutes depending on traffic.
It's a pleasant walk from the CBD to Parnell, taking approximately 20-30 minutes. The route offers scenic views of the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for Candlelight Concerts are typically purchased online through the Fever platform or their official website. It's recommended to book in advance as shows can sell out.
While some users have reported differing experiences, most attendees find Candlelight Concerts to be a legitimate and enjoyable event. Booking directly through official channels is advised.
Ticket prices can vary based on seating location and the specific concert. Generally, seats closer to the front are more expensive, while back sections offer a more budget-friendly option.
It is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, as shows often sell out. Buying at the door is not guaranteed and may not be possible.
As a place of worship, St. Mary's-in-Holy Trinity has regular service times. For specific event hours, such as Candlelight Concerts, check the event listings.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is magical and intimate, with thousands of candles creating a warm glow. The live music, often performed by talented string quartets, enhances the enchanting ambiance.
Concerts feature a wide range of genres, from classical composers like Tchaikovsky and Vivaldi to modern artists and film scores, such as Joe Hisaishi and Hans Zimmer.
Seating can vary. Some attendees find the seats comfortable enough for the duration of the concert, while others suggest that front-row seats might not offer the best view of the entire performance.
While personal photography might be permitted, it's best to check the specific event guidelines. Some events offer paid photo opportunities.
The church is known for its excellent acoustics, which greatly enhance the live music experience, making it a fantastic venue for concerts.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the church, with its Gothic architecture, offers great photo opportunities. Inside, the altar area and stained-glass windows are also picturesque.
Generally, personal photography is allowed, but it's wise to be discreet and avoid flash to not disturb other attendees or the performers. Check event-specific rules.
Some events, like Candlelight Concerts, may offer paid photo packages for attendees who wish to capture a professional memento of their experience.
Late afternoon or early evening can provide beautiful natural light for exterior shots. For interior shots, consider attending an event where the candlelight adds a unique ambiance.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal. Many smartphones can capture the ambiance effectively, especially with night mode features.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more general visit, the impressive architecture can be a point of interest for children, offering a chance to explore a historic building. It's a good opportunity to discuss history and different architectural styles in a real-world setting. Always check for any specific family-friendly events or services that might be scheduled.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Attending an evening concert followed by a stroll through the charming Parnell neighborhood makes for a delightful date night. The church's stunning architecture also provides a picturesque backdrop for photos, adding to the romantic experience.
🎶 Music Enthusiasts
Whether you're a fan of classical, jazz, or contemporary tributes, the diverse programming means there's likely a concert to suit your taste. It's an opportunity to hear familiar music in a completely new and enchanting setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Candlelight Concerts
Attendees frequently praise the quality of the musicianship and the enchanting atmosphere. However, some reviews mention that the 'candlelight' effect is achieved with electric fake candles rather than real ones, which was a point of disappointment for a few. Seating arrangements can also be a factor, with some finding the seats less than ideal for viewing the entire performance, while others are perfectly content with their vantage point. Booking in advance is crucial, as popular themed concerts sell out quickly.
Despite minor critiques, the overwhelming sentiment is positive. The combination of stunning architecture, excellent acoustics, and the unique candlelight setting makes these concerts a standout event in Auckland. It's an experience that appeals to a wide audience, from classical music aficionados to those seeking a novel and romantic evening out.
Architectural Significance
The interior boasts impressive vaulted ceilings, beautiful stained-glass windows, and a grand organ, all contributing to its sacred and awe-inspiring atmosphere. These architectural features not only serve a spiritual purpose but also enhance the acoustics, making it an ideal venue for musical performances. The historical significance of the building adds another layer of appreciation for visitors.
Whether attending a service, a concert, or simply visiting to admire its beauty, the architecture of St. Mary's-in-Holy Trinity offers a glimpse into Auckland's past and its enduring architectural heritage. It stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and vision of its builders.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit