WellingtonSee & Do
The exterior of the New Zealand Parliament building at 1 Museum Street, Pipitea in Wellington at sunset with pink-coloured clouds in the sky above.

New Zealand Parliament Tours

Walk the corridors of power and see where New Zealand laws and policies are made.

Go behind the scenes at the Beehive and Parliament House to understand more about New Zealand’s history and how democracy works.

Walk the corridors of power and learn about the Parliamentary process in New Zealand. You can find out about where New Zealand’s laws are written, debated, and passed. You’ll hear anecdotes about past politicians, see some of the artworks and objects from the Parliamentary Collection, and get to know the architectural history of the buildings.

There are many free guided tours that cater to different groups.

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The Introduction to Parliament tour is the most popular and takes place many times throughout the day. It is a great way to learn about the parliamentary processes. Walk inside the Executive Wing (the Beehive), notable for its circular design. Look at the 100-year-old Parliament House and the Parliamentary Library. You’ll also see the Debating Chamber, Select Committee rooms, Grand Hall, Legislative Council Chamber, Parliament House, and Banquet Hall.

There are tours that cater to those interested in the parliamentary art collection, and a shorter tour designed for children. The Twilight Tour happens at night and adds on a meal at Bellamys, the parliamentary restaurant usually only open to MPs. The fine dining restaurant serves sustainably sourced food overlooking a beautiful courtyard. The three-course meal is included in the tour ticket price and is a decadent way to complete your tour of the parliamentary precinct.

The friendly guides can provide information sheets for tours in Te Reo Māori, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Hindi, Samoan, and Korean.

A Twilight tour going on inside the Chamber, Parliament.

Looking for more?

Inside the dining room of the Katherine Mansfield House on Tinakori Road. Blue walls are covered in decor from the 19th century, including a wall of china plates. The table is set with candleabra and pink china.

Katherine Mansfield House & Garden

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.

Exterior of the Wellington Museum, a blue building with a red door.

Wellington Museum

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.

A family walks towards the Dowse Museum in Lower Hutt.

The Dowse Art Museum

A contemporary art institution with a focus on craft and applied arts.

The exterior of Te Papa Tongarewa, half glass and half concrete.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

New Zealand’s national museum reflects the country’s identity, history, and culture.

Entrance to He Tohu at The National Library of New Zealand.

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.

The exterior of the City Gallery with 5-metre tall hand statue ‘Quasi’ standing atop.

City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi

Wellington’s contemporary art gallery is a dynamic cultural presence. You’ll find exhibitions that delight and challenge.

The exterior of Nairn Street cottage, Wellingtons oldest original cottage and heritage garden.

Nairn Street Cottage

Step back in time and visit Wellington’s oldest original cottage and heritage garden.

Interior of Evil Twins, focused on the graffiti wall.

Evil Twins

Iced coffee, matcha, and trendy merchandise are all on offer at this creative city café.

2 of the barstaff at Parrotdog Bar behind the counter, one is pouring drinks, and the other smiling at the camera. The bar and counter are very minimal with a light green and yellow colour palette.

Parrotdog Bar

Nestled a street back from Lyall Bay beach, Parrotdog’s relaxed brewery bar welcomes one and all.