CHURCHES IN SOUTHLAND

Traveling To Church In Southland

Here are your options if you’re visiting or living in Southland and want to attend a service outside your neighborhood:

• • Public Transport: Southland’s bus network is reliable, affordable, and covers most areas.
  • Church Shuttles: Some offer shuttle services or carpooling arrangements—perfect for those without access to a vehicle.

It’s a good idea to check with your chosen church about service times before attending any events or services.

A Tribute To Our Cathedral

Discover Southland’s Christian Heritage

Southland is home to a rich and varied Christian history. From early missionary efforts to beautifully preserved 19th-century chapels, the region continues to be shaped by its spiritual roots.

Christianity is the most prominent religion in Southland, with several denominations actively serving the community:

• • Presbyterian
  • Anglican
  • Catholic

Smaller denominations such as Unitarianism and Pentecostalism also contribute to the region’s spiritual diversity.

Early Beginnings 

Christianity began to take formal root in Southland in the mid-19th century. While major denominations had an early presence by the late 1850s, purpose-built houses of worship didn’t appear until the early 1860s.

• • Presbyterianism played a central role in shaping Southland’s religious landscape. The Synod of Otago and Southland traces its roots back to the founding of the Otago Province in 1848. The Southland Presbytery was formed in 1860, supporting the growth of congregations across the region—from Te Anau to Stewart Island. In 2010, this presbytery merged with others to form the Southern Presbytery, continuing the tradition of regional unity and ministry.
  • Anglican communities were also established early on, reflecting the influence of British settlers. Houses of worship like Holy Trinity in Winton, built in 1876, served as central places of worship and gathering.
  • Catholic missions were among the first Christian efforts in the region, led by French missionaries starting in 1838. The Catholic Church soon grew, largely through Irish immigrant communities, and established parishes across Southland.

These early parishes not only met the spiritual needs of settlers, but also laid the foundation for Southland’s enduring religious identity.

Diverse Christian Communities

Census data shows Christianity as the prevalent religion in Southland. It’s worth noting, however, that certain denominations have higher discipleships. There are considerably more Presbyterian followers in Southland compared to Anglicans or Catholics, possibly due to the denomination’s history in the area.

Architectural Gems of Faith in Southland

Southland’s parishes are more than places of worship—they’re landmarks of design, craftsmanship, and cultural legacy. Scattered across the region, these architectural treasures reflect the values and artistry of their time, many earning recognition for their historical significance.

St. Mary’s Basilica, Invercargill
Designed by renowned architect Francis Petre and completed in 1905, this Neo-Classical masterpiece is one of the most striking chapels in New Zealand. Many visitors claim this as the most beautiful church in the country.

First Presbyterian Church, Invercargill
Opened in 1915 and designed in the Italian Romanesque style, this brick church is known for its towering campanile and elaborate brickwork.

Holy Trinity Church, Winton
Built in 1876 and designed by Frederick William Burwell, this Gothic Revival Anglican church is a fine example of early ecclesiastical architecture in Southland, now listed by Heritage New Zealand.

East Gore Presbyterian Church
A timber Gothic church designed by R.A. Lawson in 1881, it is considered one of Lawson’s finest wooden designs. Though no longer in regular use, it has been preserved as a local arts centre.

Greenhills Church, near Bluff

Completed in 1887 by the local farmers, this simple yet charming chapel    reflects the humility and dedication of Southland’s rural congregations.

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Attention

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