St Matthew-in-the-City (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is St Matthew-in-the-City?
What makes it 79% Couple-Friendly: Couples can share candle-lit concerts, light a prayer candle, and scout a wedding venue; the intimate setting is romantic, though activities are mostly passive and short-stay.
Positives:
- Free entry: No fee for self-guided visits from Monday to Friday.
- Central location: Steps from Queen Street, ideal for combining with city walks.
- Historic acoustics: The nave offers clear sound for concerts and services.
Challenges:
- Limited opening hours: Open weekdays 10 am–4:30 pm; close outside service times.
- Booking requirements: Bell tower tours and concerts require advance booking.
- Narrow stairs: Access to the balcony and tower involves steep, tight steps.
What is St Matthew-in-the-City?
- A neo-Gothic Anglican parish church built from Oamaru stone and carved kauri between 1902 and 1905
- Features a cruciform nave with a carved timber roof, high altar sanctuary, and a 3,004-pipe organ above the chancel
- Boasts eight historic change-ringing bells in its tower dating back to the 1860s and extensive stained-glass installations
What is so special about St Matthew-in-the-City for couple trip?
- Explore neo-Gothic architecture and stained glass.
- Enjoy free self-guided visits and photo spots.
- Book a candlelight concert for a romantic evening.
- Try change-ringing during the Heritage Festival.
- Share a quiet moment lighting a candle together.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Enough time to admire the architecture, ring bells, and enjoy a candlelight concert.
Couple-Friendly Activities in St Matthew-in-the-City
Self-guided architecture walk:
Explore the neo-Gothic arches, kauri wood roof, and stained-glass windows.
Tip: Visit Mon-Fri 10 am–4:30 pm. Step onto the balcony for a bird’s-eye view of the nave.
Candlelight concert:
Listen to a string quartet play by candlelight in the nave.
Tip: Book tickets via Fever. Arrive 30 min early to choose seats near the candles.
Bell-ringing open day:
Watch and try change-ringing in the bell tower.
Tip: Book a spot during the Auckland Heritage Festival through Eventfinda. Wear flat shoes.
Light a candle:
Add a name on the prayer list in the side chapel.
Tip: Bring coins for a candle. Sit together afterward for a quiet moment.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to St Matthew-in-the-City
- Combine with morning coffee: Grab a flat white at a nearby café before your visit.
- Time your visit: Arrive just after opening to avoid tour group crowds.
- Check event calendar: View stmatthews.nz for special services and concerts.
Reviews of St Matthew-in-the-City
Claire Knowles
Beautiful Christmas candlelight experience. Toilets looked newly painted and were clean. 2 security guards outside. Plenty of staff inside to show you towards your seating zone. Lovely venue. Parking next door or over the road - this is central Auckland to allow time and don’t leave valuables in your car!
Deirdre Slaney-Heath
We had a lovely relaxing evening. The muscians were very talented. The lead violinist was very engaged with the audience. One negative, the Poloroid photo is a let down and put a dampner on the overall expereience. We look small and distant and the quality of the photo is poor. Save your money avoid the photo. The boxed candles are excellent.
SY K
This was my first time attending a Candlelight Fever concert and it was such a beautiful experience. The ambience and music instantly lifted my mood and made the whole evening unforgettable. I left feeling so happy, and I’ll definitely be joining more Candlelight events in the future!
Logan S.
🕍 A Slice of Heaven on Hobson Street They say you can’t find peace in the city… clearly, “they” never walked into this gem in Auckland CBD... Just off the chaos of Hobson Street traffic sits this calm,cool and holy beauty St Matthew’s Anglican Church... I wasn’t here for a wedding,Sunday mass or to repent (yet)… just cruised by on a weekday and thought, “let’s see what’s poppin’ inside.” And wh...
Hibiscus Jetski Hire
A real sanctuary in Auckland’s busy city centre and a top wedding destination for very good reasons. The Willis Organ is played on high festive days and completely changes the atmosphere like at Christmas or Easter. The chapel from early settlers shipping trips is also worth a look and don’t miss that little stone from Canterbury to say you‘ve been here. Give a gold coin donation or use the app or...
When is the best time to visit St Matthew-in-the-City (Auckland, New Zealand)?
Attend candlelight concerts in December and join the bell-ringing open day in October during the Heritage Festival. Visit on weekdays for quieter moments and softer light through the stained glass.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Self-guided walk | NZD 0 |
| Candlelight concert tickets (2) | NZD 90 |
| Donation for lighted candle | NZD 10 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 100 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of St Matthew-in-the-City
Address: 132 Hobson Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides St Matthew-in-the-City (Auckland)?
About St Matthew-in-the-City
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+64 9 379 062510 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇳🇿 New Zealand, couple trip
🇺🇸 United States, couple trip
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, couple trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities