Nestled in the heart of Wellington you’ll find what was once the world’s second largest wooden building, right here at the end of Lambton Quay. See what else hides amongst the kauri and goverment history on display.
Old Government Buildings summer Saturdays will start this Saturday 2 December 2023. Tickets for Guided Tours are available on Eventbrite or at the door. The building will be open for self guided visits from 10.00am to 4.00pm.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Opening Hours
Guided Tours
Available Saturdays December - March
11.00am 2.00pm
Self-Guided Tours Monday - Friday excluding public Holidays
9.00am - 4.30pm
Closed most public holidays
Visitors can view displays on the ground floor and the Cabinet Room on Level One. Other parts of the buildings are closed to the public.
Entry
Adult Self-Guided Tour Free
Adult Guided Tour $20.00
Gold Card $12.00
Member Free
Under 18 years Free
* Surcharges may apply for special events
Visit Old Government Buildings
Accessibility
Old Government Buildings is a three-storey building, with some steps and uneven surfaces. There is access for people with wheelchairs to all areas of the building via a ramp at the rear of the building at the northern end, closest to Stout Street. There is a drop-off point for visitors with limited mobility at the Whitmore Street entry.
Food and Drink
Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic with them to enjoy in our grounds. Please take all food and rubbish with you. There is also a great selection of local cafes and eateries located within walking distance of Old Government Buildings.
This is a smoke and vape free site.
Venue Hire
Old Government Buildings is a working university campus for Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington faculty of law. However, we have a range of options available for photography including wedding or graduation photos and video shoots. Please fill in this Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington form for our joint approval. Contact us for more info.
Children and whānau
Both inside and out, there are things for kids to discover. Inside explore the vault or take a ride in an open-air lift. Keep an eye-out for the mummified rat.
Outside, there is plenty of room to stretch little legs. Make sure you check out the surveyor’s chain on the right-hand side of the building, one of only two left in the country. Before rulers and metres, this is how we measured things.
And if you’re really keen, have a go at counting the windows from the outside. We’ll give you a hint… it’s more than a hundred.
Things to remember
Old Government Buildings is a working university campus for Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington faculty of law. Due to this much of the building is closed to the public, by taking a guided tour you will be able to view specific areas of the building. During exam time some we ask visitors to keep noise to a minimum so students can concentrate.
We care for some important taonga (treasures) in our collection and our heritage buildings have lived a long life, so some rooms or items in the house may be off limits at times for conservation and maintenance.
Some rooms may be dimly lit depending on the weather and time of year.
Safe Space
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is proud to be part of the Safe Space Alliance, offering safe and inclusive spaces that welcome and support the LGBTQI+ community.
A safe space is a space where the LGBTQI+ community can freely express themselves without fear. It is a space that doesn’t tolerate violence, bullying, or hate speech towards the LGBTQI+ community.
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