Beehive Tours and Activities

Beehive showing modern architecture and a statue or sculpture
Beehive
Beehive
Beehive
Beehive


Take part in a free guided tour of the distinctive building where decisions are made to shape the future of New Zealand.

The Beehive, so-called because of its distinctive hive-like shape, is the home of the Executive Wing of the New Zealand Parliament. At 72 metres in height, the building consists of 10 levels above ground, and 4 levels below, and houses the offices of the Prime Minister, cabinet ministers and the National Crisis Management Centre. Visitors can take advantage of an hour-long guided tour through the corridors of New Zealand power, to find out more about how and where the big decisions are made.The tour begins in the Beehive Visitor Centre and ascends the grand marble staircase to the Banquet Hall. Take the time to admire the 300-seater hall's lavish decoration, including an impressive mural by Wellington native John Boys Drawbridge. Other stops on the tour include the Parliamentary Library and even the Chamber of Parliament House, which is where bills are debated and government business discussed. If Parliament is in session, you can observe proceedings from the public gallery after your tour has ended. If it is not, the tour will take you right down onto the chamber floor.Tours run each hour and are free. You do not have to book in advance simply show up 15 minutes beforehand. You'll find the tours running most days, but not on public holidays. Take a look at the New Zealand Parliament website for a definitive schedule before you visit.The Beehive and surrounding complex can be easily reached via public transport. There are no car parks within the complex, but there is a plentiful supply of pay parking areas nearby. A Stagecoach City Circular bus stop is located just near the lower gates to the complex, while the main railway station is situated within a 5-minute walk.

Plan a trip to see Beehive

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Reviews of Beehive

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
149
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
183
4 - Good 49%
3 - Okay
41
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Recomend to book your tour.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Hasn't changed in 50 years and shows its age.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The Beehive by nature is interesting, If you have an interest in how parliament works then it is a good place to visit.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Make sure you book a tour if you plan to visit. We missed out, the website doesn't say "bookings recommended"

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Reccomend doing one of the free tours, very interesting

Popular places to visit


Top Beehive Hotel & Accommodation Deals

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

4.5 out of 5
147 The Terrace, Wellington
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Rydges Wellington

Rydges Wellington

4.5 out of 5
75 Featherston St, Wellington
Rydges Wellington
Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay

Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay

4 out of 5
100 Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay, Wellington
Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay
Gilmer Apartment Hotel

Gilmer Apartment Hotel

3.5 out of 5
10 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Bolton Hotel

Bolton Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Corner of Bolton & Mowbray Streets, Wellington
Bolton Hotel
ibis Wellington

ibis Wellington

3.5 out of 5
153 Featherston St, Wellington
ibis Wellington
DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington

DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington

5 out of 5
Corner of Lambton Quay and Grey Street, 28 Grey Street, Wellington, NZ
DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington
Quest 256 Lambton

Quest 256 Lambton

3 out of 5
Level 4, 256 Lambton Quay, Wellington
Quest 256 Lambton
Sofitel Wellington

Sofitel Wellington

5 out of 5
11 Bolton Street, Wellington
Sofitel Wellington
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Beehive

Explore the vibrant activities near the Beehive in Wellington, where you can enjoy walking tours and shopping experiences. Don't miss the opportunity to participate in public tours of the Beehive itself, and keep an eye out for upcoming events in the area, including those in Hawea. This blend of culture and community makes for an engaging visit filled with local flavour.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Queensgate Shopping Centre, 12.9km from Beehive, featuring a mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out River Valley Shopping Centre and Clouston Park Shops, both 32.2km away, offering a variety of business and city experiences.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Sky Stadium, where you can catch a thrilling game or event. At Basin Reserve, immerse yourself in the rich history of cricket while enjoying the lush surroundings. For a leisurely stroll, Newtown Park offers beautiful green spaces perfect for relaxation and picnics.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Wellington Cable Car, a funicular ride 644m from Beehive, offering stunning views and an adventurous vibe. For hiking enthusiasts, the Wellington City Walkways, located 12.9km away, provide scenic trails, while the Morne LaBaye Trail, 11.3km away, immerses you in the great outdoors.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant nightlife in Beehive, starting with a show at the St James Theatre, just 1.6km away, or gaze at the stars at the nearby Carter Observatory, 966m away. For a romantic film night, the Embassy Theatre, also 1.6km away, is a perfect choice.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Beehive

When visiting the Beehive in Wellington, you'll find a variety of attractions including the iconic Beehive Parliament Building, historic civic government buildings, and fascinating museums. This vibrant area offers a rich cultural experience perfect for families and city explorers alike, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy in this captivating part of New Zealand's capital.

  • Te Papa: Experience New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa, where you can explore interactive exhibits and immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of the country. Located 1.4km from Beehive, it offers a vibrant atmosphere with a focus on art, history, and Māori culture.
  • Wellington Central Business District: Just 805m away, this bustling town neighbourhood is the heart of Wellington. Enjoy the lively café culture, boutique shops, and vibrant street art that showcase the city’s urban charm and dynamic lifestyle.
  • Michael Fowler Centre: Situated 1.3km from Beehive, this premier event venue boasts stunning architecture and hosts a variety of concerts and conferences, making it a hub for business and cultural events in Wellington.

Best time to go to Beehive

The best time to visit Beehive is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. February is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
February62.8°F (17.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Beehive

When planning your trip to Beehive, Wellington, aim to visit during January, June, or August for the best hotel rates. Book at least a month in advance or explore last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings. Sundays generally offer the lowest accommodation prices, while Wednesdays tend to be the priciest. Make use of Expedia's search filters to find eco-friendly options and combine your hotel with flights for additional discounts. Don't forget to check for free cancellation options and the latest deals to ensure a budget-friendly stay.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Beehive are January, June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Beehive is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Beehive is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Beehive is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and ideal hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodation options currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Beehive hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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