Wellington is home to New Zealand's government. The parliament buildings started to be built in 1912, but building was delayed due to World War I, and they were completed in 1918. This Edwardian, neoclassical building was never completed. You will notice that the main entrance steps are off center, which is because the southern wing of the parliament buildings was never built. Instead, the proposed site for this is now taken up by the Beehive built in 1981. It is named the Beehive because of its external shape. The parliament grounds are immaculate and great for photos.

Most public tours run on the hour, departing from the ground-floor foyer of the Parliament House at the following times: Weekdays from 10am to 4pm (the last tour departs at 4pm), Saturday from 10am to 3pm, and Sunday from 12 to 3pm. It is free and well worth your time.

You will see parliament and legislation chambers, the Grand Hall, the Maori Affairs Room, and more. The guides are great and tell some amazing stories of events that occurred here, as well as behind-the-scenes info that the public rarely hears. Another interesting fact you will learn about is the foundation of the building and its state-of-the-art earthquake shock absorbers, which are a New Zealand invention apparently.