Al Noor Mosque

Al Noor Mosque is a mosque in Riccarton within the Christchurch city area, marked by a green dome roof and a slender tower. Inside, prayer carpets form geometric patterns while the walls display Arabic calligraphy and tiled niches.

The community opened the building in 1985 with support from the Middle East, creating the first prayer site for Muslims on the South Island. After an attack in 2019, the building became a site of remembrance and international solidarity.

Friday prayers draw Muslim families from across Christchurch who gather here and often sit together in the courtyard after communal worship. The name means „the light

Visitors should remove shoes before entering the prayer rooms and women can borrow a headscarf if they do not have one. The mosque sits on Deans Avenue near Hagley Park and is easy to reach by public transport.

A large stained glass window displays verses from the Quran, casting colored patterns on the floor in daylight. Outside stands an olive tree planted by a sister community after the events of 2019.

Location: Christchurch City

Inception: 1985

Founders: Hanif Quazi

Architectural style: Islamic architecture

GPS coordinates: -43.53289,172.61181

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:23