Ohinemutu & St Faith's Church
Ōhinemutu
A traditional Māori village on the lakeshore. In the Tudor-style St Faith's Church, an etched-glass window shows Jesus wearing a Māori cloak, as if walking on the lake.
Ōhinemutu is a Māori village on the shore of Lake Rotorua and one of Rotorua's earliest settlements. It is still home to residents today, and geothermal steam rises from the roadsides. The village has the finely carved meeting house Tamatekapua, as well as St Faith's, the Church of England church built in 1914. Its exterior is Tudor-style, and its interior is filled with Māori woodcarvings and woven panels. The most famous feature is an etched-glass window depicting Jesus wearing a Māori cloak. Looking out through the window, Jesus seems to walk on the surface of Lake Rotorua. Entry to the church is free, though donations are welcome. Please respect village life, and do not enter the marae (the ceremonial ground in front of the meeting house) casually.
Opening hours
Church approx. 08:00–17:00 (except during services)
Nearby sights
- Eat Streat
- Kuirau Park
- Government Gardens & Rotorua Museum
- Polynesian Spa
- Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village
- Te Puia (Whakarewarewa)
- Skyline Rotorua
- The Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest