Nelson Cathedral, at 1 Trafalgar Square in Nelson, is the principal church of the Diocese of Nelson. It stands on a hill whose Māori name, Piki Mai, means "come up hither". The cathedral is open from 8.30am to 7pm every day, and until 6pm in winter. Visitors can sit quietly, pray, meditate or light a prayer candle. Services, many events and general admission are free, and the website invites visitors to consider a donation. Worship follows traditional Anglican patterns, with organ and a robed choir, and the choir takes breaks in school holidays.
Customers mention the gardens around the cathedral, with trees, flowers and cactus, and say the redwood tree is beautiful. One visitor said the walk up through the garden is worth it, and another said the inside is lovely. A third said the cathedral stands out in New Zealand for its architectural style and scale. For families, there is a communion service with morning tea and a toy area, and CathedralKIDS runs during the 10am service in school term. Our pick in Nelson for a quiet walk up the hill.