Create your free account
Sign in to your account
Search over 1,000,000 properties worldwide and 550 airlines worldwide.
Search over a million flights, hotels, packages, and more
No Expedia cancellation fee to change or cancel almost any hotel reservation.
Beehive
Walk through the corridors of power and learn how laws are made with a visit to the Beehive. This government building is so called because its domed shape resembles a natural beehive.
The 236 feet (72 meter) high structure has ten floors above ground and four below and is the Executive Wing of New Zealand’s Parliament. It contains the offices of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers and the National Crisis Management Centre.
See how the government functions with a free hour-long guided tour of three of the four buildings that make up the parliamentary complex. It starts in the Beehive Visitor Centre and from there you’ll be taken up the open marble staircase to the Banquet Hall on the first floor. This large semi-circular space hosts state banquets for up to 300 people. Admire the elaborate décor including the large mural by John Boys Drawbridge, a famous Wellington-born painter. No other parts of the Beehive are open to the public.
The tour also takes you to the Parliamentary Library and the Chamber of Parliament House where politicians debate bills and discuss parliamentary business. When the tour has concluded come back and watch proceedings from the public galleries. If Parliament is not in session the tour takes you on the floor of the chamber.
Public tours start on the hour and you do not need to book. You are advised to turn up at least 15 minutes before a tour starts. Tours are not held on public holidays; check the New Zealand Parliament website for a schedule of times and dates.
The Beehive and the parliamentary complex are easily accessible by public and private transport. There is no car parking on parliamentary grounds but there are pay car parks in surrounding streets. Wellington railway station is only a five-minute walk away and a Stagecoach City Circular bus stop is close to the lower gates of the parliamentary grounds.
Guide to Exploring around Beehive
Best Lodging Options Near Beehive
Per night/room
Sep 29 - Sep 30
Rydges Wellington
75 Featherston St, WellingtonLocated in the heart of Wellington, this luxury hotel is steps from Old Government Buildings, Wellington Central Business District, and Wellington Waterfront. Beehive and St Paul's Cathedral are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is only a 3-minute walk.
Per night/room
Oct 13 - Oct 14
ibis Wellington
153 Featherston St, WellingtonLocated in the heart of Wellington, this hotel is steps from Lambton Quay, Wellington Central Business District, and Wellington Waterfront. Old Government Buildings and Wellington Cable Car (Lambton Quay Station) are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 6 minutes by foot.
Per night/room
Oct 20 - Oct 21
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
147 The Terrace, WellingtonThis family-friendly Wellington hotel is located near the airport, within a 15-minute walk of St Paul's Cathedral, Carter Observatory, and Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand). Old St Paul's and Botanic Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wellington Station is 10 minutes by foot.
Per night/room
Oct 20 - Oct 21
The Thorndon Hotel Wellington by Rydges
24 Hawkestone St, Thorndon, WellingtonThis family-friendly Wellington hotel is located near the airport, within a 5-minute walk of National Library and St Paul's Cathedral. Old St Paul's and Old Government Buildings are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 9 minutes by foot and Wellington Kaiwharawhara Station is 29 minutes.
Per night/room
Oct 20 - Oct 21
DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington
Corner of Lambton Quay and Grey Street, 28 Grey Street, Wellington, NZThis family-friendly Wellington hotel is located in a shopping district, steps from Lambton Quay, Wellington Cable Car (Lambton Quay Station), and Wellington Central Business District. Civic Square and Old Government Buildings are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 9 minutes by foot.
Per night/room
Sep 29 - Sep 30
Novotel Wellington
133 The Terrace, WellingtonLocated in the heart of Wellington, this luxury hotel is steps from Wellington Cable Car (Lambton Quay Station) and Wellington Central Business District. Beehive and Old Government Buildings are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 10 minutes by foot.
Per night/room
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Bolton Hotel
Corner of Bolton & Mowbray Streets, WellingtonThis family-friendly Wellington hotel is located near the airport, steps from Lambton Quay, Beehive, and Wellington Central Business District. Old Government Buildings and St Paul's Cathedral are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 8 minutes by foot.
Per night/room
Oct 13 - Oct 14
Park Hotel Lambton Quay
101 The Terrace, WellingtonLocated in the heart of Wellington, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Lambton Quay and Wellington Cable Car (Lambton Quay Station). New Zealand Parliament Buildings and Museum of Wellington City and Sea are also within 10 minutes. Wellington Station is 8 minutes by foot.