One of the most beautiful Māori churches in New Zealand.
St Mary's church in Tikitiki serves as a memorial to the Māori men from the East Coast between Paritū (south of Gisborne) and Tarakeha/Torere (east of Ōpōtiki) who fought and died in the First World War.
St Mary's was built in the 1920's at the instigation of Ngati Porou leader Sir Āpirana Ngata. An early example of Ngata's efforts to revive traditional Māori arts and crafts. The church has a Māori architectural design and wonderful carvings and tukutuku (woven panels) inside, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful Māori churches in New Zealand.
This is an active place of worship that is also regarded as one of the icons of the entire East Cape journey.
Image credit: NZ PocketGuide
St Mary's was built in the 1920's at the instigation of Ngati Porou leader Sir Āpirana Ngata. An early example of Ngata's efforts to revive traditional Māori arts and crafts. The church has a Māori architectural design and wonderful carvings and tukutuku (woven panels) inside, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful Māori churches in New Zealand.
This is an active place of worship that is also regarded as one of the icons of the entire East Cape journey.
Image credit: NZ PocketGuide
Location
Address:
Tikitiki 4086
Facilities and Features
Proximity to Town:
21km's north of Ruatoria, 12km's south of Te Araroa along State Highway 35
Parking:
Free street parking available
Other Charges:
There is no admission fee. However, St. Mary’s Church welcomes donations for its upkeep.
You may also like
Tairāwhiti Museum
One of the very best, most innovative regional museums in New Zealand. Discover More
Maunga Hikurangi Te Urunga Tu Sunrise Tour
Maunga Hikurangi is the sacred mountain of the Ngati Porou people, and the first place in the world to see the sunrise. Gain access to our sacred maunga and sacred sites to obtain a unique authentic Maori cultural experience and sunrise. Discover More
Dive Tatapouri Reef Ecology Tour with Wild Stingrays
The Reef Ecology tour allows you the opportunity to walk out at low tide under the guidance of our guides to observe and interact with the Stingrays, Eagle Rays and other marine dwellers of Tatapouri. A must-do activity for anyone visiting Gisborne. Discover More
A day exploring the world-class wineries of Gisborne
Sun-kissed lands and fertile soils have helped make Gisborne the third-largest wine-producing region in New Zealand Discover More
