Norman nave and chancel re-ordered c.1970
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Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary

4.8
·77 reviews·New Plymouth, New Zealand

A historic cathedral in New Plymouth with serene grounds, a reflective garden, and a popular cafe.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Tuesday mornings

Cafe open for breakfast

CrowdMedium
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Norman nave and chancel re-ordered c.1970

Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary

Best Time

Tuesday mornings

Cafe open for breakfast

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic cathedral in New Plymouth with serene grounds, a reflective garden, and a popular cafe.

4.8
(77 reviews)

"Even with the main cathedral closed, the grounds offer a peaceful and historical experience with a great cafe."

Vertical photo
TIP

☕ Cafe Delights

Don't miss the cafe! Friendly staff, great food, and reasonably priced. Open Tuesday mornings.

📜 History Lessons

Chat with the Dean for a history lesson! The graveyard holds many interesting stories.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Garden of Remembrance

Garden of Remembrance

Cathedral Grounds

A serene and beautiful space for quiet contemplation and reflection amidst historical gravestones.

Historical Graveyard

Historical Graveyard

Cathedral Grounds

Discover fascinating stories from the past among the gravestones of notable individuals.

Cathedral Cafe

Cathedral Cafe

Cathedral Grounds

Enjoy reasonably priced food and drinks with friendly service in a welcoming atmosphere.

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Planning Your Visit

Check for Closures & Events

The main cathedral may be closed for earthquake strengthening, but the grounds and garden of remembrance are usually accessible. Check for special events or services that might affect visiting hours.

Explore the Grounds

Even if the interior is closed, the churchyard and garden of remembrance offer a serene experience with historical insights. The cafe is also a popular spot.

Best Times

When
Tuesday mornings
Why
Cafe open for breakfast
Crowd
Medium
When
Anytime grounds are open
Why
Peaceful reflection
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

One hike you have to do in New Zealand 🏔️🥾 👇🏻 Hike to the Pouakai Tarns in the Taranaki region to witness the stunning Mount Taranaki 😍 The trail takes you through lush green bush for just 2 hours and consists almost entirely of stairs. It can get steeper in parts but is very manageable. The way back was significantly faster for us. At the tarns, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking view of Mount T...
@nicoandsina
6.5K likes • 110.2K views

☕ Cafe Delights

Don't miss the cafe! Friendly staff, great food, and reasonably priced. Open Tuesday mornings. Reddit

📜 History Lessons

Chat with the Dean for a history lesson! The graveyard holds many interesting stories. Reddit

A guide to hiking the Taranaki Poukai Tarns, Egmont National Park 🌋 #newzealand #nz #taranaki #mounttaranaki #northisland #travelnewzealand #travelnz #backpacking #traveltok #volcano #volcanohike #Hiking #fyp #foryoupage #travel #travelideas #newplymouth #poukaitarns #kiwiexperience #campervan
@debbieroselle_x
5.9K likes • 155.4K views
✨ The Eve of St. Mary ✨ On this blessed night, we gather in prayer, hymns, and reverence to honor the Theotokos, the Mother of God at the Cathedral of St Mary and St Mina. The Eve of St. Mary’s Fast is not only a celebration of her dormition and assumption, but also a reminder of her purity, humility, and unwavering faith. We remember her as the intercessor for all believers, the gentle mother w...
coptic.saints
814 likes • 20.5K views

🌿 Serene Gardens

The garden of remembrance is a beautiful, peaceful spot for quiet contemplation. Reddit

🚧 Check for Closures

Main cathedral may be closed for strengthening, but grounds are usually accessible. Reddit

New Episode out today talking with @jplnz / @huiacomehome where we talk about the reconciliation between the church and Māori and the role of the church in the colonisation of Aotearoa. Jay Ruka - the new co dean at Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary in New Plymouth is of Te Ātiawa and Ngāti Mutunga descent who grew up more immersed in Christian culture than he did in Māori culture. Episode li...
bestsiiide
8 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

☕ Cafe Delights

Don't miss the cafe! Friendly staff, great food, and reasonably priced. Open Tuesday mornings. Reddit

📜 History Lessons

Chat with the Dean for a history lesson! The graveyard holds many interesting stories. Reddit

🌿 Serene Gardens

The garden of remembrance is a beautiful, peaceful spot for quiet contemplation. Reddit

🚧 Check for Closures

Main cathedral may be closed for strengthening, but grounds are usually accessible. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(77 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary for its serene grounds, historical graveyard, and welcoming cafe. While the main cathedral may be closed for strengthening, the accessible areas offer a peaceful and insightful experience. Some visitors noted the church was closed during their visit but still found value in the surrounding gardens and historical context.

"Though the church was closed at the time when we visit, we took a walk around and in the garden of remembrance."

Tess Lin

"Beautiful church. Rich history. The main part of the chapel is still closed for reinforcements but completely viewable from the doors."

Samoan Dude

"Really great Cafe with friendly staff and very reasonably priced food and drink
. Tuesday mornings from 7.30 until approx 9.30. Opens again 6th August"

John Hart

What People Like

Peaceful garden of remembrance
Historical graveyard stories
Friendly cafe staff

What People Dislike

Main cathedral closed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary is located in New Plymouth. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options may also be available within New Plymouth.

While specific parking details can vary, visitors generally find parking options available in the vicinity of the cathedral in New Plymouth. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.

Yes, if you are in New Plymouth, you can likely reach the Taranaki Cathedral via local buses or taxis. Walking is also an option if you are staying in the city center.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the grounds and garden of remembrance is typically free. However, the main cathedral interior may be closed for renovations or services, so it's best to check ahead. Reddit

The grounds and garden of remembrance are generally accessible. The cafe has specific hours, often open Tuesday mornings. The main cathedral's interior access can vary due to services or strengthening work. Reddit

The cathedral hosts regular services. It's recommended to check their official schedule for specific times and any potential closures for private events or maintenance.

Even if the main cathedral is closed for earthquake strengthening, you can usually still explore the beautiful grounds, garden of remembrance, and the churchyard. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the historical graveyard with its interesting stories, the serene garden of remembrance for quiet reflection, and enjoy the cafe. The exterior architecture is also noteworthy. Reddit

While specific accessibility details for the entire site might vary, the grounds and garden of remembrance are generally navigable. It's advisable to contact the cathedral directly for detailed information regarding interior access if it's open.

While formal guided tours might not always be available, visitors have reported receiving historical insights from the Dean. Reddit It's worth inquiring at the welcome desk.

The Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary is a significant historical and spiritual landmark in New Plymouth, with a rich history and architectural importance to the region.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe located at the Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary, known for its friendly staff and reasonably priced food and drinks. Reddit

The cafe is typically open on Tuesday mornings, from around 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM. It's always a good idea to confirm hours before your visit. Reddit

The cafe offers a selection of food and drinks at reasonable prices, making it a pleasant spot for a break during your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted on the grounds and in the garden of remembrance. If the interior is open, it's respectful to check for any specific photography restrictions inside the cathedral.

The exterior architecture of the cathedral, the serene garden of remembrance, and the historical gravestones offer picturesque opportunities for photography.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the main cathedral may be closed for renovations, families can still find value in visiting the grounds of the Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary. The garden of remembrance offers a peaceful space for children to explore and reflect, and the historical graveyard can spark curiosity about the past. Reddit The cafe provides a convenient spot for snacks and a break, ensuring a more comfortable experience for younger visitors. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary offers a rewarding experience without significant cost. Entry to the grounds, garden of remembrance, and graveyard is typically free, allowing for exploration and historical discovery. Reddit The cafe is also praised for its reasonably priced food and drinks, making it an affordable option for a meal or snack. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History and Community

The Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary is more than just a place of worship; it's a repository of local history and a hub for community engagement. Even when the main sanctuary is undergoing renovations, its grounds tell stories. The historical graveyard is a treasure trove of local narratives, with gravestones marking the resting places of individuals who shaped the region. Visitors can spend time exploring these markers, piecing together fragments of the past. Reddit

The garden of remembrance offers a stark contrast, providing a tranquil and serene environment for reflection. It's a space designed for contemplation, allowing visitors to connect with the spiritual and historical significance of the site in a peaceful setting. This duality of historical exploration and quiet contemplation makes the cathedral grounds a unique destination. Reddit

Furthermore, the cathedral plays an active role in the community. Insights from social media suggest discussions around reconciliation between the church and Māori, highlighting the institution's evolving role and engagement with local culture. Instagram This indicates a dynamic institution that is not only preserving history but also actively participating in contemporary dialogues.

The Taranaki Cathedral Cafe Experience

A delightful surprise for many visitors to the Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary is its on-site cafe. Often highlighted by reviewers, this cafe offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, complemented by friendly staff. It's a perfect spot to relax and recharge after exploring the cathedral grounds or if you're simply looking for a pleasant place to enjoy a refreshment. Reddit

The cafe is particularly noted for its reasonably priced food and drink, making it an accessible amenity for all visitors. While its operating hours can be specific, often being open on Tuesday mornings, it’s a popular draw for both locals and tourists. Reddit This makes it a convenient stop for breakfast or a mid-morning break, adding another layer of appeal to the cathedral visit.

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