Free, daily, one-hour guided tours of Parliament begin on the hour at the Visitor Centre in the foyer of the Beehive (Executive Wing). Take a tour with one of our trained guides to visit key parts of Parliament’s buildings and learn about our parliamentary processes. To arrange an educational visit for students, contact our Education Services.
What’s in the tour?
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Hear about the everyday life and activities of Parliament, with stories from the past and present.
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Learn about New Zealand’s system of government and parliamentary processes.
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Find out about the history, architecture, refurbishment, and restoration of Parliament Buildings.
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Discover some of the artworks displayed in the parliamentary precinct that celebrate our rich cultural heritage.
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Take home more information to read at your leisure.
Please note: Public tours do not include a visit to the public galleries above the debating chamber. Ask your tour guide for information about how you can watch the House in session from the public galleries.
Tour times
Public tours start on the hour and take one hour to complete. Individuals do not need to book. We recommend that you arrive early to ensure your preferred tour time. Tour group sizes are limited. Groups of 10 or more are required to book their tour in advance.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour departs so that you have time to check in your belongings. Everyone must leave their bags, coats, phones, cameras and other electronic devices in secure storage at the Visitor Centre before each tour begins. You cannot take your belongings with you on the tour.
Remember to allow time at the end of your tour to visit our gift shop.
Additional tours are offered during school holidays and other busy periods.
Tour times are occasionally subject to change.
Group tours
You must make a booking for a tour if there are ten or more people in your group. Please contact the Visitor Centre tour desk to arrange this.
If your group is a school or other student group, contact Education Services to arrange a visit that suits your needs.
Departure point for tours
Public tours start from the Visitor Centre in the ground floor foyer of the Beehive (also known as the Executive Wing).
To find us, come in through Parliament’s main entrance between the Beehive and the steps of Parliament House, and follow the signs.
Education groups depart from the Museum Street entrance at the back of the Beehive. Please check with Education Services for directions before your visit.
Security screening for tours
Please follow the safety instructions of security officers who may screen certain items.
Everyone must leave their bags, coats, phones, cameras and other electronic devices in secure storage at the Visitor Centre before each tour begins. Please be ready to cooperate with our staff, who will return your possessions to you at the end of your tour.
Special conditions for tours
All tours are subject to the daily business of Parliament and associated events, and can occasionally be adapted for this reason.
