Beehive

The Beehive: 3/5 Overall I wouldn’t say it’s the most interesting place to go visit as a 15 year old or even a New Zealand resident who has learnt about the political system during school. On the 30th of December, we went to the beehive without booking, thinking there wouldn’t be many people, however we failed to get a tour. The lady at reception told us she would inform us if there is an available tour later in the day or the next day. We were told to wait for 45 minutes to see if there was any availability for the 1:30 tour which there was none so we had to wait for tomorrow. The exterior of the beehive and the 2 other parliament buildings actually looked decent, selected from 3 different eras, a relatively new beehive for press conferences, then a less recent building filled with discussion chambers, finally a very early constructed antique library holding offices. The next day we contacted the reception from the beehive and were informed that we could attend the 1130 tour of the parliament buildings. We couldn’t bring any bags or hat in even after going through security. The tour consisted of a basic understanding of the governing system of NZ, the press conference room, the discussion room to pass bills, and the library. The hallways were filled with “art” and a very short tour to say the least. My mom called us lucky that we still managed to receive a tour and was fascinated about the publicity and how different it is. But I thought it was very basic and boring, barely showing us anything except the things we see on tv anyway. There was a lack of care within the buildings with leaks being dealt with a bucket and the information that the Christmas decorations wouldn’t be taken down until February. The lack of care showed by the tour guide and the staff members reflect how NZ is being taken care of. How are we suppose to take the government members seriously when they don’t even take themselves seriously. The overall tour is lackluster, just elementary school teacher interactions with very young children. 1.5 stars for great architecture (only from the outside, the inside is lazily done) 1.5 stars for giving us a chance to visit the beehive even without booking (the tour was at least okay, and the things we saw was alright.) I’m grateful for the tour, especially since it was free, but I don’t recommend the tour for other people since the information doesn’t interest me.

Parliament and other official offices that governs all things Aotearoa New Zealand. Tours available via formal website channels. Park nearby to entertain tamariki while whanau take tour if they so wish. Within walking distance of most places in the CBD. Worth a visit if this is your thing.

It is a round, interesting building where the Prime Minister and ministers work. You can go on a free tour to see colourful art and learn about New Zealand’s government. If you don’t go inside, you can take photos from outside.

Our guide was amazing. She explained info in a way that was interesting and enjoyable. Any person, Kiwi or otherwise should put the guided Parliament tour on their radar.

The free guided tour of the Beehive and the New Zealand Parliament precinct is an absolute must-do in Wellington! Not only is the iconic, distinctively-shaped Beehive a brilliant piece of modernist architecture on its own, but the tour provides a surprisingly fascinating look behind the scenes of New Zealand's democracy. Our guide was excellent—incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and brought the history and process of government to life with great anecdotes. Getting to walk through the grand, historic Parliament House, seeing the stunning Parliamentary Library, and stepping inside the magnificent Banquet Hall (with its incredible John Drawbridge mural) was a real treat. The tour also offers a unique chance to learn about the country's earthquake-proofing measures and, if Parliament isn't sitting, you might even get to walk right onto the debating chamber floor! It’s informative, engaging, and gives you a new appreciation for the workings of the New Zealand political system. A truly enriching and highly recommended experience for tourists and locals alike!

Did the tour was interesting to see the inside and learn more

Very unique building architecture. A must visit when you're in Wellington as it is FREE, just need to perform prebooking at the website before following days of visit. It tooks around an hour for the entire guided tour, it is very informative. We get to visit many segment of the parliament rooms. Even there is a legendary escalator to look for inside, be sure to check it out. There is security screening prior entry to the building just like airport departure. Easily accessible with public transport buses just located side of building.

I missed the debate but still had a good time with the tour.

As the seat of government for the country of New Zealand, the Parliament Buildings are comprised of 4 buildings in a 45,000 meter site in the capital of Wellington. The executive wing building is also known as the 'Beehive' and serves as a landmark for visitors trying to orient themselves. As our shuttle driver let us off, he remarked that get off/get on stop was intentionally across the street from the building so that lost visitors could find their way back by asking any local how to get back to the 'Beehive'. The building wasn't open when we came on an early Sunday morning, but its visitor center was scheduled to open at 09:30, with free public tours available throughout the day.

We walked the grounds on a Sunday and enjoyed the exteriors of the buildings. If you go, download an interpretive map on line for more information on the history of the buildings.

You can't deny that the Te Whare Mīere building that houses the modern wing of the New Zealand parliamentary offices looks like a Beehive. It took 12 years to complete, finally opening in 1981. The prime minister's office and the cabinet meet on the 9th floor (though there are also four floors below ground). Other than a silhouette of a Kiwi bird, it is one of the most recognizable shapes that represents New Zealand. Some parts of the building are open to the public, subject to the usual security screening. This sure isn't the state house in Austin Texas or Olympia Washington where firearms are permitted. Americans, eh? There are four buildings here that host the executive and legislative branches of government, including Parliament House, the Parliamentary Library, the Beehive (also known as the Executive Wing), and Bowen House. The grounds are open and clearly host protests regularly when the government is in session. [Round number review 500 of 2024 - 149 in New Zealand - 21532 overall]

The buildings that make up the Parliament are the Parliament House with its aging Chamber that copies the British House of Commons. Here New Zealand Legislatures present, debate & vote. There are Maori Affairs Select Committee Rooms filled with art. The Executive Wing is called the Beehive, this is where the Prime Ministers Office's are housed. Free tours are available. Across the street is the old building now Victoria University's Law School. The old and new courthouse or judicial branch is across the street.

New Zealand's Parliament dates back to 1854, just 14 years after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and the beginning of the European settlement of the country. For most of its history as a nation state, New Zealand has had some form of elected government. Few countries in the world can boast such a long and uninterrupted history of democracy. Guided tours of Parliament are available seven days a week (from 10 AM - 4 PM). And they're free! You can't miss this building based off its distinctive shape, commonly called "The Beehive." The 1-hour walking tour takes you through the unique (and somewhat complicated) parliamentary process. You'll hear all about their deep love of the prime minister along with tidbits you'll be able to take to your next trivia night. For example, did you know that New Zealand was the first country in the world to grant all women the right to vote? It was signed into law in 1893 (well before the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that granted American women the right to vote in 1920). New Zealand was also the first country with an openly transgender member of Parliament. And the Parliament building is one of the most stable buildings in the country, due to an extensive earthquake retrofit. So no fear of the big one at least for 1 hour of your day! To make a reservation, simply just email them directly with the time, date and number of guests at tour.desk@parliament.govt.nz

We took the complimentary one hour tour and it was super! A combination of architecture and civics, with the pride of the staff in the country clearly evident. The beehive is so cool, 1960s glam in perfect shape. And the old parliament building has been so well preserved and strategically updated. The tours go more frequently than hourly. And it only takes a couple of minutes to get signup. The mechanics of the tour were so well handled. Only sad part, as visitors to New Zealand, wish they game a little more info on the government, how coalitions are formed, and personal anecdotes about the history.

I was unable to visit inside any of the buildings of Parliament during my time in Wellington, but the grounds are especially beautiful on a nice sunny, autumn's day. It was really neat to see how each one differed so dramatically from one another architecturally. A walk through the grounds was great and if I ever return to Wellington, I would definitely delegate time for the scheduled tours.

FREE tours! All you have to do is go sign up for a time. The time slots do fill up quickly so I recommend going first this in the morning and booking a time, then coming back. We did the hour tour. Very educational. The tour guy was easy to follow and knowledgeable on EVERYTHING. Loved learning the history of New Zealand and how current affairs are dealt with. I recommend adding this to your to do list if you are visiting Wellington.

Really good for insight on NZ politics; we did this spontaneously while walking past the building, and were glad we did. Tour guide was articulate with a good sense of humor and took us thru several chambers while comparing and contracting NZ politics to other countries. Thoroughly enjoyable and recommended!

Had a great tour, enjoyed learning about the way government works and has evolved in New Zealand. And the seismic improvements to the building are impressive - basically separated the entire structure from its foundation. We were able to go and watch the Q&A part of the parliamentary session at 2:45pm - so time your tour before or after then if possible.

Took a public tour of Parliament Buildings. I really think this is a must do if you are visiting Wellington. The staff and guides are lovely, really informative and willing to share. The buildings are truly beautiful, filled with tonnes of history. We were lucky to be visiting on a day the house was not sitting, so got to go inside debating chamber. And of course you cannot complain about the free price tag of the tour. Really awesome time.

I went on my own, but the staff was so helpful it felt like a bit of a private tour. I sat in the gallery to listen to debate, as well as admire the fabulous woodwork. The building is accessible in terms of security. The artwork is interesting (would like to see more of that). Nice to have a relaxed, intelligent and well informed exchange with the staff in the gallery.