Parnell is a charming shopping area adjacent to downtown Auckland. To the west of Parnell is the Auckland Domain, to the south Newmarket
Parnell Rd is the main street with restaurants, cafés, bars, art galleries, boutiques and craft shops.
Near the top of Parnel Rd on the hill, sights of interest include St Mary's Church & Holy Trinity Cathedral ; and Kinder House Gallery and Ewelme Cottage on Ayr Street,
The Anglican St Mary's Church & Holy Trinity Cathedral are next to each other. St Mary's Church is a beauitiful historic wooden Gothic Revival church completed in 1897, and was originally the Cathedral Church of the Diocese. In 1982, the church was moved into its present position, and rotated 90 degrees. (The church was orginally across the road). St Mary's use today include weddings and baptisms and community events.
St Mary's served as the Cathedral Church and principal Anglican church of Auckland until 1973 when the Chancel of Holy Trinity Cathedral, for which the foundation stone was laid in 1957, came into use and most services now take place there. (The neo-Gothic Chancel, a brick-clad reinforced concrete structure, was constructed between 1958 and 1973 - The Nave was built between 1990 and 1995). The Cathedral is 'renowned' for its modern stained glass, including the unique window featuring a Polynesian Christ with vividly coloured Pacific motifs. A set of eighteen windows along the sides of the Nave tell the Christian story using a combination of traditional and Polynesian designs. Concerts and events are also held at the Cathedral.
Ewelme Cottage, was built of kauri wood in 1863-64 for the Rev. Vicesimus Lush, a Church of England clergyman, his wife Blanche and their six children. It was continuously occupied by the Lush family until 1968. The house is now a museum with the house basically remaining as it was when the last occupants left. To visit Ewelme Cottage is to step back into the 19th century! (The house is located at 14 Ayr Street. Open Fri, Sat & Sun at 10.30am - 12noon and 1pm - 4.30pm. Admission $7nz)
Kinder House, built in 1857, was constructed using Rangitoto volcanic rock. It was owned by the Reverand John Kinder, who was a Church of England Grammer school teacher who dabbled in watercolours and photography. Some of which are on display at the house. (The house is located at 2 Ayr Street. Open Tues - Sun at 11am - 3pm. Admission $4nz)
Location
Parnell is approx 15 - 30 min walk east of downtown Auckland
External Links
Parnell Web Site
Kinder House - Art New Zealand
Holy Trinity web site
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