The City of Sails is not short of live music venues but nothing tops this season’s Candlelight venues in Auckland. These tribute concerts transform landmarks, theatres and churches like St Mary’s in Holy Trinity and St Matthew-in-the-City Church that aren’t always renowned for classical performances into breathtaking spaces that welcome both classical and contemporary melodies. As thousands of candles sway and dance to timeless compositions, audiences are taken on a unique musical journey every evening.
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Candlelight concert near you: Venues in Auckland
Holy Trinity Cathedral by Candlelight
Rising majestically above Parnell’s leafy avenues, this iconic spot showcases Māori marae-inspired timber ceilings above contemporary neo-Gothic stonework, creating a sacred harmony for Candlelight concerts at Holy Trinity Cathedral. Additionally, Professor Richard Toy’s 1995 masterpiece combines ancient European traditions with Pacific influences through magnificent stained-glass windows featuring distinctly New Zealand motifs alongside the adjacent wooden Gothic Revival. Located moments from Auckland Domain and War Memorial Museum, this venue benefits from exceptional transport links via Parnell Train Station (5-minute walk) and bus routes 27T, 321, and 755 connecting the venue to Auckland CBD.
Holy Trinity Cathedral is located at 446 Parnell Road, Parnell.
St Mary’s In Holy Trinity by Candlelight
Standing majestically beside Holy Trinity Cathedral, St Mary’s In Holy Trinity represents Benjamin Mountfort’s masterpiece—the world’s largest wooden Gothic church at over 50 metres long, built entirely from New Zealand kauri timber. Candlelight concerts at St Mary’s In Holy Trinity transform this 1898 architectural marvel thanks to the series’ trademark sea of candles. Excellent transport connections include Parnell Train Station (4-minute walk) serving both Southern and Western Lines, plus frequent buses including the City Link and Explorer services.
St Mary’s In Holy Trinity is located at 446 Parnell Road, Parnell.
St Matthew-in-the-City Church by Candlelight
Candlelight concerts at St Matthew-in-the-City Church unfold within soaring neo-Gothic stonework, beneath tall lancet windows and graceful vaulted ceilings in Auckland’s vibrant CBD. Moments from SkyCity Auckland and the SkyCity Theatre, this landmark delivers live music in the heart of the city, with Wellesley Street and Hobson Street bus routes and Aotea Centre transport hub nearby to ensure easy access for every guest.
St Matthew-in-the-City Church is located at 132 Hobson Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland.
More classical concert venues in Auckland
Auckland Town Hall: a favourite among locals and visiting artists, this neo-Baroque style gem is perfect for major classical performances.
The Civic: inspired by Indian palaces, this massive space frequently hosts musicals and concerts.
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre: another striking theatre located within the Aotea Centre.