A gable-ended structure, the Meeting House (or wharenui) building type features an open porch on one end. The design is attributed to the Maori, and it is unique to New Zealand. By the 1800's, these buildings were more elaborately carved. The Futuna Chapel and Arthur's Pass Chapel are examples of this design, with influences from European architecture. As more Europeans entered the land, their influence on architecture became more noticeable. The meeting house was a center of the community and played a vital role in the early history of the country.
Dramatic buildings in the Gothic style, such as Old St. Paul's Cathedral, emphasize the use of timbers readily available in New Zealand forests. Although stone and brick became available to builders as well in the Victorian era, the abundant amount of wood was the focus of the first colonial structures. The simpler house designs of the colonial period gave way to British architectural influences over the ensuing century.
European influence is evidenced throughout the towns and cities in public buildings and churches. Discover everything from Gothic to Edwardian Baroque to Italianate buildings and churches in the oldest cities and towns. Visit the churches of North Island to see buildings that are decorated in Maori traditional style. These early buildings merge Polynesian immigrant influences with European architecture.
Reflecting the pioneering lifestyle, New Zealand offers a variety of cottages and farm buildings from its colonial days. These are typically simple wood structures that were meant to be functional and sturdy, rather than beautiful and elaborate.
This town experienced gold rush-style prosperity in the late 1800s and its more elaborate architecture reflects the profusion of sudden wealth. You can view Victorian dwellings there and classical-styled buildings that look as if they were frozen in time.
Treat yourself to Art Deco style in the Napier region. Having suffered an earthquake which destroyed most of the earlier architecture, the region rebuilt many buildings in the Art Deco style, reflecting European and American influences. Other areas also feature Art Deco style, but Napier is one of the finest examples.
Founded in 1850, Christ Church was built by Benjamin Mountfort in the Gothic Revival style.
Beginning his practice in 1955, Sir Miles Warren designed the Dorset Street flats in Christchurch. In 1958, he teamed up with architect Maurice Mahoney. The Warren and Mahoney architectural firm created the Christchurch style of architecture. These were modern concrete designs. Bulky, geometric designs showcasing concrete were dubbed 'brutalist' abroad; however, Sir Miles refers to the style as 'constructivist.' The Christchurch Town Hall is a good example. Now known worldwide, Warren and Mahoney also designed The Central Library, New Brighton Library and South Library in New Zealand, among many others.
Futuna Chapel is said to be architect John Scott's finest work. See the accompanying photo of the chapel. It's located on North Island, Wellington, New Zealand. Now surrounded by townhouses, the chapel is an example of Meeting House style fused with European influence.
