St Paul's Cathedral, Dunedin (must see)
Saint Paul's Cathedral stands as a prominent landmark in the heart of Dunedin, overlooking the Octagon and symbolizing the city’s Anglican heritage. Completed in stages between 1915 and 1971, the cathedral blends elements of Neo-Gothic and Modernist architecture, creating a striking visual presence. The original design was intended to be much grander, but funding limitations resulted in a simplified construction that still manages to inspire awe through its soaring columns, intricate stonework, and commanding presence on Moray Place.
Inside, the cathedral impresses with its spacious nave, vaulted ceilings, and elegant stained-glass windows that filter light into a warm, contemplative atmosphere. The modern chancel, added in the 1970s, offers a unique contrast with its clean lines and minimalistic design, seamlessly integrated with the older stone structure. Visitors are often drawn to the cathedral's organ, one of the finest in the southern hemisphere, which is regularly featured in concerts and Sunday services.
Saint Paul’s is not just a place of worship, but also a cultural and community venue. The cathedral hosts art exhibitions, musical performances, and civic events, making it a dynamic part of Dunedin’s cultural fabric. Its central location makes Saint Paul’s easily accessible to tourists exploring the Octagon area, and it remains one of Dunedin’s most visited historic buildings.
Inside, the cathedral impresses with its spacious nave, vaulted ceilings, and elegant stained-glass windows that filter light into a warm, contemplative atmosphere. The modern chancel, added in the 1970s, offers a unique contrast with its clean lines and minimalistic design, seamlessly integrated with the older stone structure. Visitors are often drawn to the cathedral's organ, one of the finest in the southern hemisphere, which is regularly featured in concerts and Sunday services.
Saint Paul’s is not just a place of worship, but also a cultural and community venue. The cathedral hosts art exhibitions, musical performances, and civic events, making it a dynamic part of Dunedin’s cultural fabric. Its central location makes Saint Paul’s easily accessible to tourists exploring the Octagon area, and it remains one of Dunedin’s most visited historic buildings.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Dunedin. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
St Paul's Cathedral on Map
Sight Name: St Paul's Cathedral
Sight Location: Dunedin, New Zealand (See walking tours in Dunedin)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Dunedin, New Zealand (See walking tours in Dunedin)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Dunedin, New Zealand
Create Your Own Walk in Dunedin
Creating your own self-guided walk in Dunedin is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Dunedin Introduction Walking Tour
Dunedin, located on New Zealand’s South Island, is a city where Scottish heritage meets dramatic natural landscapes. Known for its rich academic, architectural, and cultural legacy, the city is home to the University of Otago—the country’s oldest university—and a vibrant student population that infuses the area with energy. Visitors will notice the city’s distinctive 19th-century... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
University of Otago Historical Buildings Walk
The University of Otago campus in Dunedin is renowned for its collection of historic buildings that showcase a rich blend of architectural styles, reflecting the institution’s long academic legacy since its founding in 1869. At its heart lies the iconic Clocktower Building, a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture completed in the 1870s, built from locally sourced dark basalt and Oamaru... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles


