St Faith's at Ōhinemutu
Set within the extraordinary geothermal landscape and living Māori village of Ōhinemutu, St Faith’s Anglican Church is one of Rotorua’s most remarkable and meaningful visitor experiences. People have lived on this site for over 400 years, and the tūpuna (ancestors) buried here make it a sacred place of deep cultural significance.
Directly opposite the beautiful Te Papaiouru Marae on the edge of Lake Rotorua, this heritage-listed church has welcomed visitors for more than a century. St Faith’s is renowned for its unique fusion of Māori and European traditions.
From the outside, the church reflects classic Tudor architecture. Step inside and you’ll discover a powerful Māori presence, with carved pou, woven tukutuku panels, and symbolic detail throughout. A highlight for many visitors is the stunning sand-blasted window depicting Jesus wearing a Māori cloak and appearing to walk on Lake Rotorua.
Visitor Information
St Faith’s is open to visitors Monday to Saturday, 10:00am–12:00 noon during the summer season. From 1 June to 1 October, private and group visits can be pre-arranged by phone. Please allow 30 mins for a tour and to look around.
Entry: $7.50 per person (contributes to ongoing restoration)
Sunday Service: Bilingual service every Sunday at 9:00am
Access:
While Ōhinemutu has a long history of welcoming visitors, it is a living village, and visitors are asked to respect the village by keeping to footpaths and being mindful that streets are open to traffic. It is recommended that visitors park at the lakefront and walk in via Mataiawhea Street (near the Lakefront Playground). Please use the public toilets at the lakefront.
The site can also be accessed by cyclists and light vehicles via Ariariterangi Street. This route involves the use of narrow streets and keeping to low speeds. NOTE: This route is not suitable for campervans or buses.
Visitors are able to walk across the cobbled Marae courtyard, and respectfully enjoy the stunning Tamatekapua Meeting House from outside only. Occasionally the Marae courtyard will be inaccessible to visitors due to private events, and signage will indicate an alternative route to St Faith's Church.
Safety:
This is an active geothermal area. Children must be supervised at all times, and all visitors must wear shoes and stay behind fences or barriers. In case of an emergency, visitors are asked to make their way to high ground above the village.