Visiting Parliament over the summer
Last updated: 18 December 2025
Visiting Parliament over the summer
Parliament will be open for most of the summer break. Find out what you need to know if you’re planning to visit.
Holiday hours
Our Visitor Centre and Tours will be closed on 25 – 26 December, and 1 – 2 January. We look forward to welcoming you on the other days across the holiday period.
Take a guided tour
Guided tours are available to book throughout the summer - whether you’re looking for an introduction to our parliamentary processes, architecture, and history of our buildings, or bringing younger visitors for our Kids in the House tour.
Booking is recommended over the summer period.
The Parliament grounds will also be open, and you are welcome to explore the grounds using the Parliament Outdoor Trail. You can follow the map at your own pace and take in the rich history of the Parliament buildings and grounds.
Visit Parliament’s art gallery
Parliament’s art gallery – Te Papakura – will be open over the summer. At the moment we are hosting an exhibition by the Wellington Urban Sketchers: Showing the City – One Drawing at a Time. The exhibition celebrates observation, creativity, and the art of sketching, and features over 100 original sketches.
Education visits for schools
Our Education programmes for schools are also available to book for the first part of 2026. As there is an election coming up, we recommend you schedule your visit for earlier in the year if you want to see Parliament in action.
If you are unable to make it for a visit, you can virtually explore Parliament through our free online education modules.
