He Tohu at National Library of New Zealand
Home to a declaration, a treaty, and a petition — New Zealand’s founding documents are at the National Library of New Zealand.
Parliamentary Precinct
Turn your smartphone into a time-travelling tour guide with the Footsteps of Change walking tour. This free-to-use tour animates the city in ways never before seen and unlocks a fascinating history. Follow the link above to start the tour or head to the Wellington isite to pick up a physical brochure and scan the QR code. From there, your smartphone will direct you to eight important locations within Wellington’s parliamentary precinct. At each location, an augmented reality will display on your smartphone’s screen, showing detailed 360° illustrated recreations of Wellington as it was throughout history. Narrated insights shed light on specific stories and important individuals from historic moments.
The eight locations are also linked to eight key moments in history. Learn about the Treaty of Waitangi Act, the Women’s Suffrage Movement, and Nuclear Free NZ. As you wind your way through each historic site, you’ll also learn about the architecture of some of Wellington’s most iconic buildings. The tour encompasses The Beehive, Old Government Building, and the gothic masterpiece, Parliamentary Library.
Footsteps of Change takes between one and two hours, depending on your pace and how deep you dive. Further reading and archival images are available at your fingertips. Walk in the footsteps of passionate activists, politicians, and lawmakers. Discover what makes Wellington’s civic history anything but ordinary.
Home to a declaration, a treaty, and a petition — New Zealand’s founding documents are at the National Library of New Zealand.
A short walk from the centre of the city lies Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. It is a place to reflect on New Zealand’s experience of war, military conflict, and peacekeeping, and how it shapes the national identity.
Telling the stories of how police have dealt with some of the country’s most infamous crimes, disasters, and other events.
New Zealand’s national museum reflects the country’s identity, history, and culture.
Walk the corridors of power and see where New Zealand laws and policies are made.
Take a step into 19th-century colonial Wellington and the life of Katherine Mansfield. One of the world’s most acclaimed writers and proud Wellingtonian.
Experience the stories of Wellington and its people. From maritime history, early Māori settlement, and the city’s evolution since becoming the capital in 1865.
Discover hidden stories, architectural splendour, and rich theatrical history on a behind-the-scenes tour of two of Wellington’s iconic venues.
Small but mighty — Aratoi creates a friendly art and cultural hub for the Wairarapa region.
Step back in time and visit Wellington’s oldest original cottage and heritage garden.