Parliament Buildings Guide
Witness Democracy in Action: Parliament Buildings Guide
Discover the heart of New Zealand's democracy at the Parliament Buildings in Wellington. This complex of buildings, encompassing the iconic Beehive, the neo-Gothic Parliament House, and the Parliamentary Library, offers a fascinating glimpse into the country's political history and contemporary governance. Whether you're interested in architecture, history, or politics, a visit to Parliament Buildings is a must-do for any visitor to Wellington. The history of Parliament Buildings dates back to the mid-19th century when New Zealand gained self-governance. The original Parliament House, a wooden structure, was completed in 1876. As the country grew, the need for a larger and more permanent building became apparent. Construction of the current Parliament House began in 1912 but was delayed by World War I and completed in 1922. The Beehive, officially known as the Executive Wing, was added in the 1970s and is a distinctive architectural landmark. Visitors can take free guided tours of Parliament Buildings to learn about the history, architecture, and functions of the New Zealand Parliament. You can observe parliamentary debates from the public galleries when Parliament is in session. Explore the historic Parliament House, admire the unique design of the Beehive, and browse the extensive collection of the Parliamentary Library. While there are no specific culinary traditions associated with Parliament Buildings, the surrounding area offers a wide range of cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes.
Transportation
Parliament Buildings are centrally located in Wellington and easily accessible by public transport. Numerous bus routes stop near Parliament Buildings, including routes 1, 2, 3, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85. The Wellington Railway Station is also within walking distance.