Beehive

We have had a parliament tour and visited 3 buildings inside. It’s worth it. Booking first and it’s free.

must to do trip in Wellington. very educational. guide you through the scenes normally only see on TV and more. big thumb up for today 10am trip guide. so patient with kid an d elderly. learning sth new with laughs through the whole hr.

false information, this has no bees in it nor is it a hive of them but alas... its beautiful around there, and the new playground looks great

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.

The Beehive, officially known as the Executive Wing of the New Zealand Parliament, is one of Wellington's most iconic buildings and a significant political landmark. Its unique, modernist architecture, resembling a beehive, makes it instantly recognizable. Designed by Sir Basil Spence, the building was completed in 1981 and houses the offices of New Zealand’s Prime Minister and Cabinet. Visitors to the Beehive can explore its significance through guided tours that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the country's political processes. These tours provide insight into how laws are made and the history of New Zealand's government. The Beehive is situated next to the older Parliament Buildings, which creates a striking contrast between traditional and contemporary architectural styles. The Beehive’s location in Wellington's parliamentary precinct makes it easily accessible to visitors and a key stop for those interested in New Zealand’s political history. The building is both functional and symbolic, representing the heart of the nation's democracy.

New Zealand Parliament Buildings, Wellington The Beehive Visited on 31/1/2019 Visit update 17/2/2024 New Zealand Parliament Buildings consist of the Edwardian neoclassical-style Parliament House; the Parliamentary Library; the executive wing, and Bowen House. Instead of extending the existing parliament house, the government architect persuaded the Prime Minister to approve a modern building. In 1964, a Scottish architect provided the original conceptual design of a 10-storey round building rising in steps. It also has 4 storeys below ground level. This forms the Executive Wing, the most contemporary of them all, is referred to colloquially as "The Beehive" due to its distinctive shape. Although it is eye catching and very appealing, it does not appear majestic and grand from the street level.

Executive wing of the Newzealand parliament buildings, couldn't enter the building but stopped by to see it and other parliament buildings in the complex.

Tonight was the last night for the parliament open. Closing tomorrow 21st Des. For the Xmas and new year holiday .the meals was very good $95pp Plus drink Set manu dinner. ❤❤❤👍👍👍

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.