Sometimes we can forget that beauty is right there on our doorstep. Hidden away in a corner of the suburb of Karori in Wellington sits the Futuna Chapel, a special little gem of a building that often gets overlooked.
The chapel was designed by architect John Scott who was commissioned by the brothers of the Society of Mary to create a spiritual retreat. The building was opened in 1961, and won the New Zealand Institute of Architect’s gold medal in 1968, and the 25 year award in 1986. John Scott, was posthumously awarded a NZIA Gold Meal for Enduring Architecture in 1999. I read on the website that the Chapel commemorates the martyrdom of St Peter Chanel on the French Polynesian Island of Futuna, on 28 April, 1841. The Chapel, designed as a retreat centre, was designed to be a place for silence and inner renewal.
Below you can see what you see on first entering, parts of the Stations of the Cross and one of the seating areas. In 2000, the Society of Mary sold the whole complex to developers who built the 66 homes that now form Futuna Village. The chapel faced an uncertain future. As a consequence the Futuna Chapel trust was formed to restore and care for the building which is now a Heritage New Zealand Category 1 historic place.
A striking crucifix sits in the centre of the chapel. The work was created by Jim Allen and Ema Scott, and disappeared from the chapel in 200. Discovered in 2012, it was restored to the chael and unveiled on the annual Futuna Chapel Open Day in 2013.
The most striking elements of the building are the windows, with their stained glass so perfectly placed that on sunny days the light is reflected on the wall beside the crucifix. I can honestly say I stood for ages looking up at the windows and the wonderful way the light played on the wall.
The chapel is listed as the 21st most beautiful building in the world according to Time Out magazine, and it certainly is stunning. It may not feature on the top 10 things to do in Wellington, but should you be in the city when it is open, it is worth jumping on the number 2 bus to Karori. It is a wonderful place with a very special atmosphere.
The roof was recently restored, and I was used to seeing the building covered in white plastic. While we were away in Europe, the Chapel reopened to the public in March of this year. The distinctive roof was restored with the original colour scheme and tiled in Italian porcelain.
The chapel is no longer consecrated and is open to the public on the first Sunday of the month. There is a concert series too, though we seem to have missed this for 2026.
The website with more information is here.
Thistles and Kiwis is a Wellington, New Zealand based blog written by Barbara, who likes cats, summer and good food. Thistles and Kiwis can be found on Facebook and Instagram @thistlesandkiwis
Thistles and Kiwis 
Such an unusually shaped building. I love the play of light through stained glass too, Barbara. A modern miracle xx
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It was stunning when just sitting there. A modern miracle indeed.
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Thank you so much for bringing this to our notice . . . I have scrolled up-and-down quite a few times . . . I cannot put my feelings into words but there is something local, definite, associated with the land where it was built . . . solid, original, but with an ethereal look . . . something which fits and suits . . . would love to sit, selfishly alone and not speaking, just looking around and feeling . . . glad it was kept . . .
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I agree…a very special place and also so glad it was kept and restored.
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A gorgeous building. Thanks.
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Glad to take you there.
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I am struck by the unusual construction of the seating – a stone/concrete? base with wooden seating and backing.
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It’s a little stunner! Thank you for giving us a tour.
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The coloured light through the stained glass is just beautiful. A little gem of a place!
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I love that you stood for ages just watching the light from the stained glass play on the wall beside the crucifix — those unhurried moments are so often the ones that stay with you. And that it’s tucked away in Karori rather than on every top-10 Wellington list makes it even more special; some of our best family stops have been these overlooked corners you’d never find without a local tip. So glad the trust saved it.
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