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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
Jun 7 - Jun 8
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, just steps from Lambton Quay and Wellington Central Business District. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Wellington Waterfront are also within 15 minutes. Wellington Station is 9 minutes by foot.
Per night/room
Jun 1 - Jun 2
Oaks Wellington Hotel
89 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington, WellingtonLocated in Te Aro, this luxury aparthotel is within a 5-minute walk of Courtenay Place, Cuba Street Mall, and Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand). Michael Fowler Centre and Wellington Cable Car (Lambton Quay Station) are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wellington Station is 20 minutes by foot.
Per night/room
Jun 7 - Jun 8
The Thorndon Hotel Wellington by Rydges
24 Hawkestone St, Thorndon, WellingtonThis family-friendly Wellington hotel is located near the airport, within a 10-minute walk of Old St Paul's and Beehive. Wellington Cable Car (Lambton Quay Station) and Botanic Gardens are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wellington Station is 9 minutes by foot and Wellington Kaiwharawhara Station is 28 minutes.
Per night/room
Jun 1 - Jun 2
InterContinental Wellington
2 Grey Street, WellingtonLocated in the heart of Wellington, this luxury hotel is steps from Lambton Quay, Wellington Central Business District, and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Cuba Street Mall are also within 15 minutes. Wellington Station is 10 minutes by foot.
Per night/room
Jun 22 - Jun 23
QT Wellington
90 Cable Street, WellingtonThis family-friendly Wellington hotel is located in the entertainment district, steps from Waitangi Park, Wellington Central Business District, and Wellington Waterfront. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Oriental Parade are also within 5 minutes. Wellington Station is 19 minutes by foot.
Per night/room
Jun 5 - Jun 6
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. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Westpac Stadium are also within 15 minutes. Wellington Station is only a 3-minute walk.
Per night/room
May 29 - May 30
Sofitel Wellington
11 Bolton Street, WellingtonSituated in the business district, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of New Zealand Parliament Buildings, St Paul's Cathedral, and Old St Paul's. Carter Observatory and Botanic Gardens are also within 15 minutes. Wellington Station is 8 minutes by foot.
Per night/room
May 29 - May 30
Bolton Hotel
Corner of Bolton & Mowbray Streets, WellingtonThis family-friendly Wellington hotel is located near the airport, just steps from Lambton Quay and Wellington Central Business District. Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand) and Wellington Waterfront are also within 1 mi (2 km). Wellington Station is 8 minutes by foot.
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