Anglican Cathedral of Saint Mary's, Auckland

The Anglican Cathedral of Saint Mary’s in Auckland is thought to be the world’s largest wooden Gothic construction. The foundation stone was laid in 1886 and although the cathedral was originally designed to be built in stone, during the economic downturn of the late 19th century, this was considered to be too expensive. The Gothic Revival building draws upon the finest elements of medieval design and was the final large project for the eminent local architect Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort. The cathedral was consecrated on August 25, 1898 by Bishop Cowie.

The lengthy building has many striking gables and impressive lancet shaped windows, the lack of trusses due to the nature of the building also makes the interior seem open and very spacious. In 1982 an engineering feat was undertaken when the cathedral in its entirety was transported from its original site on a system of rollers across to the new Holy Trinity Cathedral Complex. Today the Anglican Cathedral of Saint Mary’s is located together with the Holy Trinity and the Bishop Monteith Visitor’s Centre. You are free to visit the cathedral from Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 3pm or by prior arrangement, there are also many services held throughout the week.