Learn the history and make-up of New Zealand’s government at the Wellington Parliament. A tour of the large building complex will teach you about New Zealand’s founding, the great characters that have shaped its history and the achievements of its native peoples. See the history of New Zealand architecture as well in the diverse structures on the Parliament grounds.
Start out at the Beehive, which earned its name through its circular, lattice-covered design. On the first floor, you will find the Visitor Centre, where you can see a video on the layout of Parliament. The Beehive is only one of the four buildings in the Parliament complex, along with Parliament House, Bowen House and the Parliamentary Library. Join a free guided tour of the grounds, which departs from the Beehive.
Next door to the Beehive is Parliament House, the main building of the complex. Built in an Edwardian neoclassical style, Parliament House features many richly furnished rooms. The Parliamentary Chamber is lined with rimu timber from New Zealand forests. Enter the 27-metre (89-foot) Grand Hall to see the stained-glass windows lining its wood-panelled walls. Learn about New Zealand’s many cultures in the Matangireia Room, which features New Zealand art, and the Pacific Room, which commemorates the valued contributions indigenous peoples have made to the country. An extensive collection of ferns stands in the Galleria.
The Parliamentary Library stands out from the rest of the complex with a Victorian Gothic façade in pleasant pastel colours. Sit amongst the stacks of the public reading room. Bowen House, the fourth building of the complex, is an office complex for Parliament members, so it is inaccessible to the public.
Wellington Parliament is located in Thorndon, to the north of the city centre. Reach it from the Wellington railway station, which is only a 5-minute walk away. If you are driving, park along nearby Molesworth Street, since no parking is available on the Parliament grounds. Entry to the Parliament is free, and it is open daily except public holidays.
