Christchurch Cathedral by Mark Sukhija

Façade and rose window of Christchurch Cathedral in Christchurch, South Island, New ZealandThe foundation stone for Christchurch Cathedral was laid in 1864 and opened finally opened 23 years later in 1881.

Christchurch Cathedral was built to a design by English Gothic designer George Gilbert Scott but architect Benjamin Mountfort supervised the work and added his own influences to the design. The Cathedral was finally completed in 1904 at a total cost of 64,000 Pounds.

Ceiling timbers are made from Banks Peninsula totara and matai which helps give the church a New Zealand feel.

High altar and pulpit carvings depict the history of the Church from 1814 as well as the story of the Canterbury settlement.

The flags in the south transept are of The Personal Banner of Sir Heaton Rhodes, The Ensign of the Sea Cadet Corps, The Colours of the Girls' Nautical Training Corps and The Royal New Zealand Air Force.

The current organ of Christchurch Cathedral dates from 1927 and has 3938 pipes and 64 stops.

The Bishops seat (cathedra) is located in the sanctuary of the Cathedral.

View of Cathedral Square from the spire of the Anglican Cathedral in Christchurch, South Island of New ZealandThe spire of the Cathedral is 63 meters in height. For a small fee, you can climb the spire for marvellous 360degree views over Christchurch and Cathedral Square especially.

The Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Christchurch and is surrounded by Cathedral Square. It is a central location. A veritable hub of Christchurch - close to pretty much everywhere and central to all Christchurch.

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Map

Further reading

Day in Christchurch - New Zealand travelogue for November 2007, covering Taranaki on the North Island and a trip around South Island

New Zealand - recommended luxury accomodation - Recommended luxury accomodation inNew Zealand

New Zealand's South Island - recommended hotels and motels - Recommended hotels and motels New Zealand's South Island

Christchurch Basilica - Historical notes of Christchurch Basilica

New Zealand - 9 great pubs and bars - 9 of the best pubs and bars in and around New Zealand

New Zealand - Whataroa - Information about Whataroa on the West Coast of South Island of New Zealand

Leaving Queenstown for Whataroa - New Zealand travelogue for November 2007, covering Taranaki on the North Island and a trip around South Island

The White Heron Sanctuary at Whataroa - New Zealand travelogue for November 2007, covering Taranaki on the North Island and a trip around South Island

New Zealand - places not to miss - Recommended places to visit in and around New Zealand

Day at Franz Josef Glacier - New Zealand travelogue for November 2007, covering Taranaki on the North Island and a trip around South Island

Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism - Official website of Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism

Key facts

Name: Christchurch Cathedral
Address:
Cathedral Square, Christchurch

About Mark Sukhija

Mark Sukhija is a travel and wine blogger, photographer, tourism researcher, hat-touting, white-shirt-wearing, New Zealand fantatic and eclipse chaser. Aside from at least annual visits to New Zealand, Mark has seen eclipses in South Australia (2002), Libya (2006), China (2009) and Queensland (2012). After twelve years in Switzerland, Mark moved back to London in 2012. You can follow Mark on Twitter or Facebook