The contrasting buildings that sit side by side to form New Zealand's official seat of government make up Wellington’s most eclectic architectural sight. Parliament has been sitting on this spot since 1865 when the capital was moved from Auckland (a few Aucklanders may still dispute this fact). The Victorian Gothic Parliamentary Library was completed in 1899, and in 1922 was joined by the Edwardian neo-Classical Parliament House. Next door is the incongruous Executive Wing, completed between 1969 and 1980, and which is nicknamed ‘The Beehive’. The Beehive is not open to visitors but hour-long tours of Parliament House leave hourly from 10:00 to 16:00 on Mondays to Fridays, from 10:00 to 15:00 on Saturdays and from 12:00 to 15:00 on Sundays. You can watch the country's politicians verbally jousting in the wood-lined debating chamber from 14:00 from Tuesday to Thursday. After you've finished at Parliament House, wander down the hill to New Zealand's original Government Buildings at 15 Lambton Quay. Built in 1876, the world's second-largest wooden structure was designed to look like it's made of stone. The interior is equally impressive with glorious staircases and wooden fittings. Open Mondays to Fridays from 09:00 to 16:30 and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 15:00. Admission is free.

Wellington And Wairarapa
http://www.parliament.govt.nz

This entry was taken from the New Zealand Complete Residents' Guide