At 72 metres high, this beehive-shaped building is a stunning icon on the Wellington cityscape. Its instantly recognisable dome stands high above the arena in which New Zealand’s affairs of state are conducted.
With ten floors above ground and a further four below, the Beehive is home to the Executive Wing of the New Zealand Parliament. Here you’ll pass by the offices of the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers and the National Crisis Management Centre.
Join one of the available hour-long guided tours, which will take you around three of the four buildings that make up the parliamentary complex. Leave from the Beehive Visitor Centre and climb the open marble staircase which will lead you to the Banquet Hall on the first floor. This magnificent space is where gatherings are held, hosting up to 300 guests at a time. You’ll be struck by the richness of the décor, which includes a large mural designed by the famous Wellingtonian painter, John Boys Drawbridge.
You can also see the Parliamentary Library and the Chamber of Parliament House. No other parts of the building are accessible to the public, but after your tour, you will get the opportunity to watch parliamentarians discuss the business of the day from your seat in the public gallery. If Parliament isn’t sitting, you’ll be able to visit the floor of the chamber itself.
The tours don’t need to be booked in advance. Just turn up and join a group departing at the top of every hour – though it’s best to arrive 15 minutes early if you can. Tours aren’t available during public holidays, so it’s advisable to check online prior to your visit, to see the available dates and times.
The Beehive and the parliamentary complex can be reached quickly and easily by bus or train. Wellington railway station is just a five-minute walk away, and a Stagecoach City Circular bus stop is conveniently located close to the lower gates of the parliamentary grounds. If you’re driving, there is no parking available in the grounds but you can pay to park in the surrounding streets.
