New Zealand Parliament

New Zealand Parliament tours in Wellington offer a fascinating look into the country's political history and government.

Visitors can explore the Beehive, Parliament House, and the library, learning about New Zealand's parliamentary process, architecture, and key historical events.

The free guided tours run daily, providing insights into lawmaking, the democratic system, and the stunning heritage buildings.

These tours are perfect for anyone interested in politics, history, or architecture, and no prior booking is required except for large groups.

Site History (medium read)

Before the Beehive was built, the site was occupied by Old Government House, a large wooden building built in 1868. Old Government House was home to Parliament from 1907 until 1918.

In 1918 Parliament moved into the new Parliament House built beside Old Government House to replace an earlier building that had burned down. Old Government House then became home to Bellamy's Restaurant.

The original plan for Parliament House had been for a symmetrical building with a wing on each side of the entrance, but only one wing was built. In the 1960s the government proposed an extension of Parliament House. Prime Minister Keith Holyoake wanted to complete the original plan and build the missing wing, but the government architect persuaded him to approve a modern building which would house parliamentary offices. One suggestion was for a 12 to 14-storey tower block.

In 1964, Scottish architect Basil Spence provided the original conceptual design of a round building rising in steps, which he dubbed "The Beehive" in reference to its shape and purpose as a hub or central point.

Legend says that Spence drew the design on the back of a napkin while having dinner with Holyoake. Responding to criticism of his controversial concept, Spence said that he had been thinking about the design for months and it was not "a half-baked idea".

A parliamentary committee approved Spence's sketch plans for the Beehive in June 1965, saying that the circular design provided functional efficiency and a high percentage of usable space, had a distinctive appearance and was in "broad harmony" with the legislative building. 

By this time, Spence was distancing himself from his design concept. The detailed architectural design was undertaken by the New Zealand Government Architect Fergus Sheppard.

Sheppard retired in 1971, and succeeding government architects involved in the project were John Blake-Kelly, Frank Anderson, and Graydon Miskimins. Beehive's circular footprint is generally considered an elegant and distinctive design feature.

 However, it also causes problems, as many of the rooms are wedge-shaped, curved or asymmetrical.

Since the formal opening by Sir Robert Muldoon in May 1977 the building has undergone many expensive refurbishments and been inhabited by many controversial figures, Prime Ministers and Governments.