---
title: "Old St Paul's Events | Wellington, Wellington | Ticket Fairy"
description: "Browse upcoming and past events at Old St Paul's in Wellington, Wellington. Find dates, event details and tickets."
canonical: "https://www.ticketfairy.com/events-in-wellington--wellington--nz/oldst-pauls"
---

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4. Old St Paul's Events

# Events at Old St Paul's

Browse upcoming and past events at Old St Paul's in Wellington, Wellington. Find dates, event details and tickets.

[Old St Paul's Website](https://www.heritage.org.nz/places/places-to-visit/wellington-region/old-st-pauls)

Old St Paul's Phone: [+64 4-473 6722](tel:+6444736722)

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                [![Amanda Palmer New Zealand Tour | Wellington flyer](https://www.ticketfairy.com/uploaded/thumbnails/db_file_img_92713_300xauto.jpg)](https://www.ticketfairy.com/event/amanda-palmer-2024-wellington)

### [Amanda Palmer New Zealand Tour | Wellington](https://www.ticketfairy.com/event/amanda-palmer-2024-wellington)

7:30 PM, Sat, 27 Jan 2024

Concert

Amanda Palmer shares old and new songs, stories, and New Zealand Survival Songs in an intimate concert.

Jan

27

Old St Paul's

Wellington

###

### Events and Programming

Old St Paul’s is best known for intimate concerts in an extraordinary setting. Its programme moves between singer-songwriters, alternative and folk artists, chamber music, choral performances, jazz, experimental electronics, heritage events and seasonal services. The 460-seat church is large enough for touring artists but small enough to feel close and acoustically immediate.

Recent performance history shows the breadth of the room. Publicly recorded events from 2021 to 2026 include Baroque concerts, Tami Neilson’s country show *The F Word*, Joan As Police Woman, Nadia Reid with NZTrio, Henry Rollins, Lloyd Cole, Dimmer, Aaradhna, Amanda Palmer, Kristin Hersh, Greg Johnson, Stellar\*, Joan As Police Woman’s 2025 return, Jenny Mitchell and the experimental *Altared States* series. The venue has also hosted harp recitals, choral services, school ensembles and community music.

Recurring programming is just as important as headline concerts. *Musical Punch Over Lunch* has developed into an annual winter series, presenting short, usually 45-minute performances by Wellington musicians at lunchtime. The 2026 programme included French chanson, jazz, barbershop, folk, chamber music, guitars, a woodwind quintet and student performers. Entry is advertised as free or koha, making it one of the venue’s most accessible regular offerings.

Other regular traditions include the December Citizens’ Carol Service, anniversary choral events around the church’s June consecration date, and music connected with Wellington’s heritage calendar. The building is also hired for weddings, memorials, christenings, exhibitions, talks, community gatherings and occasional markets.

Confirmed 2026 programming demonstrates that Old St Paul’s continues to welcome both established and adventurous work. Announced or publicly listed events include NZ Music Month lunchtime listening sessions, the sixth *Musical Punch Over Lunch* season, Kelly Moran, Acid Mothers Temple, Daniel Champagne, *In the Bleak Midwinter*, NZTrio+, a Wellington Jazz Festival triple bill and Greg Johnson. The 2026 listings suggest continued programming beyond mainstream concerts, particularly in chamber music, contemporary composition, experimental sound and local artist development.

Recent advertised ticket examples range from free or koha entry for lunchtime and community performances to approximately NZ$15–$70 for larger concerts. Examples include NZ$50 for Jenny Mitchell, NZ$65 for Tami Neilson, NZ$69.90 for Kelly Moran and NZ$15–$69 for NZTrio+. Prices, concessions, booking fees and age restrictions vary by event.

### Tickets and Booking

Old St Paul’s does not operate around one permanent ticket format. Concerts are promoted event by event, so the current listing is the most reliable place to check the on-sale date, price, seating arrangement, door time, age rating and any concession categories. Some performances are free or koha, while touring shows normally use reserved or general-release tickets.

Popular concerts can sell quickly because the room is deliberately intimate. For high-profile touring artists, buy during the first public release rather than waiting for door sales. Where an event advertises a presale, early access or a second performance, those options are usually the best way to improve availability. A small number of events have been advertised as extra shows after demand, including Daniel Champagne’s 2026 Wellington booking.

Check whether the event is seated before arriving. Most classical, acoustic and chamber performances use the church’s pews or temporary chairs, while a promoter may alter the layout for contemporary music. The venue itself publishes a theatre capacity of 460 but does not publish one universal seat map for every event.

### About Old St Paul’s

Old St Paul’s is a former Anglican pro-cathedral and a Category 1 historic place at 34 Mulgrave Street, Pipitea. It remains consecrated but is regarded as non-denominational for present-day ceremonies and events. Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga manages the building, while the Friends of Old St Paul’s support preservation, visitor engagement and special traditions.

The church opened and was consecrated in 1866, shortly after Wellington became New Zealand’s capital. Frederick Thatcher prepared the original design, and later additions were made by architects including C. J. Toxward and Frederick de Jersey Clere. The building is an unusually complete example of timber Gothic Revival architecture, constructed from fine New Zealand timbers rather than masonry.

The published event capacity is up to 460 in theatre configuration, with one main event space. A smaller meeting capacity of up to 50 is also listed by venue directories, but the official hire information focuses on the 460-seat performance capacity. No authoritative public specification gives a single overall length, width or ceiling-height figure, so event planning should rely on the venue’s own floor plan and production assessment rather than generic church dimensions.

### Seating and Layout

The interior follows a traditional church plan, with a central nave, side aisles, transepts, chancel and altar end. Concert seating is normally oriented towards the eastern end of the building, although promoters can introduce staging, temporary chairs or alternative audience positions. The official 460 figure is a theatre-style maximum, not a guarantee that every event will use the full capacity.

For acoustic music, central seats usually provide the most balanced combination of direct sound and room resonance. Seats close to the front offer intimacy and a stronger view of solo performers, while mid-nave positions can give a more even perspective on ensembles. Side seating may place the audience at an angle to the performance area. Because layouts vary, there is no permanent VIP section or universal “best seat” arrangement published for all events.

The building’s timber surfaces and high roof create a lively acoustic that suits voice, strings, organ, piano, folk music and carefully amplified contemporary work. The same reverberation can make dense or very loud productions sound more diffuse, which is why larger-scale promoters are expected to bring their own production specialists when required.

### Getting There and Parking

Old St Paul’s is at 34 Mulgrave Street, Pipitea, near Parliament, Wellington Railway Station and the central bus interchange. It is within walking distance of Lambton Quay, the government precinct and Thorndon. From the railway station and bus interchange, follow the government precinct north towards Mulgrave Street; allow roughly five to ten minutes on foot, depending on your exit and walking pace. Visitor information also describes the station, interchange and main shopping area as close by.

Paid street parking is available on Mulgrave Street and nearby Pipitea, Murphy and Aitken streets, subject to the signs and operating hours in force on the day. There is no onsite public car park. One designated accessible parking space is provided, and the driveway can be used for accessible drop-off and pick-up. Bus parking is available directly outside the building. The venue does not publish a fixed parking price because street charges and restrictions vary.

For rideshare or private car drop-off, use the front of the building or driveway only when safe and permitted. On concert nights, allow additional time for street congestion and for finding a legal park. Public transport is usually the least complicated option, particularly for evening events when nearby street parking may be limited.

### Inside the Venue

Visitors enter a working heritage building rather than a conventional modern concert hall. Expect timber framing, stained glass, memorial plaques, historic furnishings and a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere than a theatre or club. Daytime visitors can browse the gift shop, read interpretation material and take time to look at the windows and carved interior. The building is generally open from 10am to 4pm, although private functions and special events can change access.

Bathrooms are available onsite. The building has a bar licence for suitable functions, but food and drink arrangements are event-specific rather than a permanent venue service. Visitors can bring a picnic to enjoy in the grounds during ordinary daytime visits, while concert audiences should follow the instructions for their particular event.

The venue provides a sound system and 75-inch screens for smaller events, along with staging options, a grand piano and pipe organ subject to availability. Larger productions must arrange and fund more comprehensive sound and lighting equipment. The 2019–2020 strengthening project also upgraded lighting, heating, audio-visual systems and fire suppression while keeping new structural work visually discreet. Wi-Fi is listed among the venue facilities.

Do not assume that a concert will include a cloakroom, merchandise counter, full bar or professional photography access. Those services depend on the promoter or hirer and are not part of the venue’s standard public specification.

### Nearby Amenities

Old St Paul’s is well placed for a pre-show meal or coffee in Thorndon and the northern CBD. Nearby listings include Hillside Kitchen & Cellar, Belen and Coffee Supreme at Midland Park, while Parliament, Lambton Quay and the railway precinct are also within walking distance. For a seated evening concert, arriving 30–45 minutes early gives time to eat, find parking or use public transport without rushing.

There is no need to plan around a remote venue: the building sits in the central city and is close to hotels and late-evening transport connections around the station and CBD. After an event, check the final train or bus departure before the performance begins, particularly on weekends or public holidays.

### What Makes This Venue Special

Old St Paul’s combines the scale of a substantial church with the warmth of a timber interior. Its Gothic Revival form is expressed through native wood, pointed arches, roof trusses, transepts, stained glass and richly coloured surfaces. The interior has been described by visitors as atmospheric, beautifully maintained and distinctly colonial New Zealand. Its acoustics are a major part of the appeal, and local guide material records musician Dave Dobbyn describing them as “the best in the country”.

The building’s significance is not only architectural. It contains memorials to parishioners and clergy, an original stone font, the Seddon pulpit, a brass eagle lectern and military flags associated with the Royal Navy, New Zealand Merchant Navy and United States Marines who attended during the Second World War. The church also has a ring of five bells installed after a community fundraising campaign.

Its survival is one of Wellington’s important heritage stories. When the Anglican diocese moved to the newer cathedral in 1964, Old St Paul’s faced an uncertain future and possible demolition. Public protest and sustained advocacy led to government purchase in 1967. Restoration began that year, the building reopened to the public in 1970 and the restoration continued through to 1980. The Friends of Old St Paul’s, formed in 1965, remain part of the preservation story.

The 2016 Kaikōura earthquake caused movement in the timber structure, with walls widening by as much as 150 millimetres in some areas. A major strengthening and services project ran through 2019 and 2020, reopening the building in July 2020. The work used concealed steel, new foundations and discreet fire and electrical upgrades so the visible historic character remained largely unchanged.

Culturally, the building connects heritage tourism with Wellington’s live scene. Visitor guidance records roughly 100,000 people crossing the threshold annually, while current programming gives local choirs, student musicians, experimental artists and touring performers access to a distinctive central-city room. The Friends also organise public traditions and preservation activities, keeping the church relevant beyond its original parish role.

### Visitor Tips and Information

Old St Paul’s is a one-storey building with some single steps and uneven surfaces. Wheelchair access is available to most areas, but the chancel and exhibition space are excluded from the published accessible route. A front drop-off point and one accessible parking space are available. Because concert seating and staging can alter circulation, visitors with access requirements should check the specific event arrangement before buying tickets.

The venue does not publish a blanket bag policy, dress code, photography policy or standard door time. These rules are set by the event organiser. Unless a listing says otherwise, dress is generally practical and respectful rather than formal. Children are welcome at many daytime, community and all-ages performances, while some concerts are marked R18 or otherwise restricted.

Old St Paul’s is smoke- and vape-free. Do not touch historic furnishings, lean equipment against timberwork or assume that every area is open during a private function. Photography is appropriate during ordinary visitor hours where permitted, but during services and performances follow the organiser’s instructions and avoid flash unless specifically allowed.

The most useful insider tip is to arrive early enough to experience the building before the lights dim. At daytime concerts, bring lunch if the event permits it; at evening shows, carry a warm layer because a large historic timber building can feel cool. For popular artists, choose tickets early and check whether the performance is fully seated, general admission or a special reduced-capacity presentation.

### Frequently Asked Questions

#### Where is Old St Paul’s in Wellington?

Old St Paul’s is at 34 Mulgrave Street in Pipitea, Wellington, close to Parliament, Wellington Railway Station and the central bus interchange. The building is in the northern part of the central city, near the government precinct and within walking distance of Lambton Quay. It is distinct from the newer Wellington Cathedral of St Paul on Molesworth Street.

#### How many people can Old St Paul’s hold?

The official venue-hire capacity is 460 people in theatre configuration. That figure applies to the main church space and may change when a promoter adds staging, technical positions, wider aisles or reduced-capacity arrangements. Some intimate events use far fewer seats, particularly experimental music, chamber concerts and special performances staged around the chancel.

#### Is Old St Paul’s mainly a church or a concert venue?

It is a former Anglican pro-cathedral that remains consecrated, but it now functions as a non-denominational heritage and events venue. Concerts, weddings, memorials, christenings, exhibitions, community gatherings and heritage activities all take place there. Its original religious character remains central to the atmosphere, even when the event is contemporary or non-religious.

#### Are Old St Paul’s concerts seated?

Many concerts are seated because the venue’s principal published capacity is theatre-style, using pews or temporary chairs. However, the promoter can change the layout for a particular performance. Always check the event listing for seated, general admission, standing or reduced-capacity details. The venue does not publish one permanent seating plan covering every concert.

#### What do tickets at Old St Paul’s usually cost?

Recent advertised examples range from free or koha lunchtime concerts to approximately NZ$15–$70 for larger performances. Individual examples include NZ$50 for a 2025 country concert, NZ$65 for a 2021 touring show and NZ$69.90 for a 2026 experimental piano performance. Prices, concessions, booking fees and age restrictions vary by organiser.

#### Can I visit Old St Paul’s without attending an event?

Yes. Ordinary visitor hours are generally 10am to 4pm daily, with closures or altered access on Good Friday, Christmas Day, Anzac Day morning and during private functions. Independent visitors are admitted by donation, while talks and guided tours have separate charges. The building also has a gift shop and interpretation material for self-guided visits.

#### Is Old St Paul’s wheelchair accessible?

Old St Paul’s is a one-storey building with wheelchair access to most areas, but the published guidance identifies some single steps and uneven surfaces. The chancel and exhibition space are not included in the accessible route. A front drop-off point and one designated accessible parking space are available. Event-specific seating should be confirmed before booking.

#### Does Old St Paul’s have an accessible toilet?

Bathrooms are available onsite, but the public visitor information does not provide a separate specification confirming the type or location of an accessible toilet. Because event layouts and access routes can change, visitors who need particular toilet facilities should confirm the arrangements with the event organiser or venue before travelling.

#### Is there parking at Old St Paul’s?

There is no onsite public car park. Paid street parking is available on Mulgrave Street and nearby Pipitea, Murphy and Aitken streets, subject to local signs and restrictions. One accessible parking space is provided, and the driveway may be used for accessible drop-off and pick-up. Bus parking is available directly outside the building.

#### How far is Old St Paul’s from Wellington Railway Station?

The venue is a short walk from Wellington Railway Station and the central bus interchange. Published visitor information places it within easy walking distance, with other local guidance suggesting roughly five to ten minutes depending on the route and pace. Follow the government precinct north towards Mulgrave Street, allowing extra time if you need step-free navigation.

#### Does Old St Paul’s have food and drink inside?

Old St Paul’s has a bar licence for suitable private and public functions, but a bar is not guaranteed at every concert. There is no standard restaurant service described in the venue information. Day visitors may bring a picnic to enjoy in the grounds, while audiences should follow the food and drink instructions for their particular event.

#### Can I take photographs inside Old St Paul’s?

Personal photography is generally suitable during ordinary visitor hours, subject to any instructions displayed onsite. During concerts, services, weddings or memorials, the organiser may restrict photography, flash or filming. Professional equipment, tripods and commercial shoots require prior approval. Respect the building’s quiet atmosphere and do not photograph people without permission.

#### Does Old St Paul’s allow smoking or vaping?

No. The property is identified as smoke- and vape-free. This applies to the heritage building and its grounds under the venue’s visitor guidance. If you need to leave during a performance, follow the event staff’s instructions and do not smoke or vape near entrances, accessible drop-off areas or other people waiting outside.

#### Are children allowed at Old St Paul’s events?

Many community, lunchtime and daytime performances are all-ages, and some 2026 listings specifically describe family-friendly programming. Other concerts are marked R18 or carry an organiser-set age restriction. The event listing controls admission for each show. Children visiting during ordinary hours should be supervised around historic furnishings, steps and uneven surfaces.

#### Does Old St Paul’s have a pipe organ?

Yes. Venue-hire information lists the pipe organ and grand piano among the available performance resources, subject to arrangements and availability. The building also has a history of organ music and bell ringing. Performers should not assume that either instrument is automatically included in a hire; access, tuning, staffing and programme use must be arranged for the event.

#### Can Old St Paul’s host weddings and memorials?

Yes. The building hosts weddings, funerals, memorial services, christenings and naming ceremonies. Although it is no longer a parish church, it remains consecrated and is available for religious, civil, LGBTQI+ and renewal-of-vows ceremonies. Hire packages can include exclusive use, pew decorations, music, bells and additional photography time, subject to the selected arrangements.

#### Why is Old St Paul’s historically important?

Old St Paul’s opened in 1866 and served as Wellington’s Anglican pro-cathedral until the diocese moved to a newer cathedral in 1964. It was threatened with demolition but saved after a major public heritage campaign. It is now a Category 1 historic place and one of New Zealand’s most significant surviving timber Gothic Revival buildings.

#### Was Old St Paul’s damaged by an earthquake?

Yes. The 2016 Kaikōura earthquake affected the timber structure, with parts of the building becoming significantly wider. Old St Paul’s closed for seismic strengthening from 2019 until its reopening in July 2020. The project added structural support, repaired damage and upgraded lighting, heating, audio-visual, electrical and fire-suppression systems while preserving the visible historic fabric.

#### What is the annual Musical Punch Over Lunch series?

*Musical Punch Over Lunch* is a recurring winter concert series featuring Wellington performers in short lunchtime sets, usually lasting up to 45 minutes. Recent programmes have included jazz, folk, classical, choral, barbershop, school and military ensemble performances. Entry is commonly free or koha, and audiences are encouraged to bring lunch and take a pew.

#### What should I check before attending an Old St Paul’s concert?

Check the event’s age rating, start time, door time, seating format, price, accessibility arrangements and whether food or drink is available. Do not assume that every show uses all 460 seats or offers the same facilities. For popular touring acts, buy early. Arrive with time to find parking, use public transport and appreciate the building before the performance begins.

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