
Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary
A historic cathedral in New Plymouth with serene grounds, a reflective garden, and a popular cafe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cafe open for breakfast

Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary
Best Time
Cafe open for breakfast
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic cathedral in New Plymouth with serene grounds, a reflective garden, and a popular cafe.
"Even with the main cathedral closed, the grounds offer a peaceful and historical experience with a great cafe."
☕ 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Garden of Remembrance
Cathedral Grounds
A serene and beautiful space for quiet contemplation and reflection amidst historical gravestones.
Historical Graveyard
Cathedral Grounds
Discover fascinating stories from the past among the gravestones of notable individuals.
Cathedral Cafe
Cathedral Grounds
Enjoy reasonably priced food and drinks with friendly service in a welcoming atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check for Closures & Events
Explore the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ 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.
🌿 Serene Gardens
The garden of remembrance is a beautiful, peaceful spot for quiet contemplation.
🚧 Check for Closures
Main cathedral may be closed for strengthening, but grounds are usually accessible.
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ 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.
🌿 Serene Gardens
The garden of remembrance is a beautiful, peaceful spot for quiet contemplation.
🚧 Check for Closures
Main cathedral may be closed for strengthening, but grounds are usually accessible.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
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.
The cafe offers a selection of food and drinks at reasonable prices, making it a pleasant spot for a break during your visit.
📸 📸 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
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History and Community
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.
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. This indicates a dynamic institution that is not only preserving history but also actively participating in contemporary dialogues.
The Taranaki Cathedral Cafe Experience
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. 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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