The National Shrine of St Mary of the Angels, at 17 Boulcott Street in central Wellington, is a Gothic-style church with a vaulted sanctuary and stained-glass windows. The website calls it the National Shrine of Aotearoa New Zealand, and says the site has been occupied by a church since 1843. The parish is linked to the Society of Mary, known as the Marists. The website describes it as a parish church for some and a devotional centre for many, with a diverse congregation that includes significant Filipino, Korean and Chinese communities and a small number of Māori. New parishioners can register through an online form.
Customers say the church is beautiful. One visitor attended a wedding there, and another went to the choral mass and found it wonderful. One said the mass has no music, so the service was quick. The church is an easy walk from the CBD, and visitors can continue to the harbour and Victoria University. Our pick in central Wellington for a choral mass in a Gothic church.