Visit the Parliamentary Library, a mesmerizing 19th-century structure of gothic revival design. Tiered stairs pass through sloping floral beds on their way to the magnificent mansion’s entrance. Climb the steps and admire the view of the gardens and greenery at the base of the Parliament House complex.
Take photos of the palatial complex from the bottom of the steps, noticing the pair of impressive rose windows in the two pediments at the top of the building. A red roof pulls back from the top of the off-white façade. A colonnade with a large central arch at its center leads the way into the complex, which lights up in the evening.
Once inside, appreciate the colorful stained-glass windows and clamber up the steps to the upper floor, illuminated by the translucent dome in the roof. Leaf through the countless books lining the shelves of this elegant library, which is used as a research area for parliamentary staff and politicians.
Join one of the daily 60-minute Introducing Parliament tours that will take you through the library as well as the Grand Hall, the Select Committee Rooms and the Debating Chamber, among other parts of the complex. The shorter Kids in the House tour takes children around the library.
The building was constructed in 1899, becoming the first structure in the parliamentary precinct. A former library had been located in Auckland, before Wellington became the capital city in 1865.
The Parliamentary Library skirts the northern side of the Parliament House, on the northern edge of the city center of Wellington. Travel by train to the Wellington railway station and walk northwest for less than 10 minutes to get to this attraction. Explore the surroundings to see nearby sights such as the Sacred Heart Cathedral, the Ministry of Justice and the Wellington High Court.
