After years of walking or driving past the Cathedral in Parnell, we decided to venture in and have an 'explore Parnell Day'.
We began, where you always begin with children, in a playground!
Parnell is a wealthy residential suburb of Auckland, with some interesting historic buidings and a collection of churches.
It was in this cathedral that the funeral of Sir Edmund Hillary was held last year...
The Nave of the Cathedral was designed by N.Z. Architect Professor Richard Toy. It was begun in 1991 and was completed in 1995, and is stunningly beautiful.
The glass doors the length of two sides light this vast space, and accentuate the roof, which looks like it's hanging, unsupported.
The Cathedral is most famous for its modern stained glass windows, which you can see here!
There is a unique window featuring a Polynesian Christ with vividly coloured Pacific motifs.
The set of eighteen windows along the sides of the Nave, and tell the Christian story using a combination of traditional and Polynesian designs. It's an eclectic mix of beliefs and designs that takes some getting used to!
The overall design of the cathedral has been described as the world's only example of the "Pacific Gothic" style. It's always 'one of a kind and nowhere else in the world' over here!
And we ended our day with a three course lunch at an Italian restaurant, with a different view of Sky Tower. Parnell still has lots for us to explore on another day!
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