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    Government House

    60 Reviews
    #40 of 242 things to do in Wellington
    Government Buildings, Historic Sites, Sights & Landmarks
    1 Rugby St, Wellington 6001, New Zealand
    +64 4-389 8055
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    Review Highlights
    “Investiture at Government House”

    We were invited to join an Investiture of an old friend. The building is beautifully decorated... read more

    Reviewed September 11, 2017
    Israthai
    ,
    Mae Rim, Thailand
    “Classic New Zealand in every way”

    I have been to Government House several times for events with the Governor Generals of the various... read more

    Reviewed August 29, 2017
    Roger M
    ,
    Masterton, New Zealand
    Read all 60 reviews
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    A beautiful heritage building, Government House in Wellington is the principal residence for New Zealand's Governor-General. Designed in the office of the Government Architect, John Campbell, the designer of Parliament Buildings,the house was built between 1908 and 1910. A major strengthening and refurbishment project was undertaken in 2008,with the official reopening taking place in March 2011. Built mostly of wood, Government House has eight guest suites and a self-contained apartment for the Governor-General, as well as a ballroom, conservatory, sitting rooms, service rooms, kitchens and offices. The formal rooms can be visited by the public,schools and community groups Visitors may also tour the gardens if the weather is fine.

    About Government House

    A beautiful heritage building, Government House in Wellington is the principal residence for New Zealand's Governor-General. Designed in the office of the Government Architect, John Campbell, the designer of Parliament Buildings,the house was built between 1908 and 1910. A major strengthening and refurbishment project was undertaken in 2008,with the official reopening taking place in March 2011. Built mostly of wood, Government House has eight guest suites and a self-contained apartment for the Governor-General, as well as a ballroom, conservatory, sitting rooms, service rooms, kitchens and offices. The formal rooms can be visited by the public,schools and community groups Visitors may also tour the gardens if the weather is fine.
    5.0
    60 reviews
    • Excellent84%
    • Very good13%
    • Average3%
    • Poor0%
    • Terrible0%
    Travelers talk about
    “governor general” (13 reviews)
    “official residence” (4 reviews)
    “free tour” (6 reviews)
    Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours
    LOCATION
    1 Rugby St, Wellington 6001, New Zealand
    CONTACT
    Website
    +64 4-389 8055
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    Write a ReviewReviews (60)
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    "governor general"
    in 13 reviews
    "official residence"
    in 4 reviews
    "free tour"
    in 6 reviews
    "beautiful building"
    in 5 reviews
    "our tour guide"
    in 5 reviews
    "buckingham palace"
    in 2 reviews
    "lovely personality"
    in 2 reviews
    "garden tour"
    in 2 reviews
    "interesting anecdotes"
    in 2 reviews
    "victorian era"
    in 2 reviews
    "new zealand"
    in 16 reviews
    "fantastic tour"
    in 2 reviews
    "two hours"
    in 2 reviews
    "heather"
    in 10 reviews
    "governors"
    in 5 reviews
    "restoration"
    in 5 reviews
    "role"
    in 4 reviews
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    11 - 20 of 58 reviews

    Reviewed September 11, 2017
    Investiture at Government House

    We were invited to join an Investiture of an old friend. The building is beautifully decorated after in was damaged by earth quake years ago. On a nice day visit the garden as well.

    Ask Israthai about Government House
    Thank Israthai
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
    Reviewed August 29, 2017
    Classic New Zealand in every way

    I have been to Government House several times for events with the Governor Generals of the various times, and was unaware that visits were possible other than on official occasions. The property is an oasis of calm in a surprising location just off busy roads,...More

    Ask Roger M about Government House
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    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
    Reviewed July 23, 2017
    Be Prepared to Be Impressed

    The mansion, as seen from the road, is large and imposing in a 19th century way. I felt transported back to the Victorian era, the 1840's, when it was built. It's now the official residence of the Governor General of New Zealand and fully furnished...More

    Ask VWriter about Government House
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    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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    Reviewed July 20, 2017
    A fantastic tour of an outstanding NZ historic place

    We were on the morning tour of 15 July. Tour guide Heather was superb, in fact I cannot recall ever having a better tour guide anywhere in the world, at any time (friendly, enthusiastic, informative, humorous, knowledgeable, lovely personality). Everything was a visual treat, from...More

    Ask S_Kiwi_guy about Government House
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    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
    Reviewed June 10, 2017
    Excellent Free Tour

    Visited on a Saturday morning on the 10am tour. Shown round by our helpful and informative guide Owen, it was great to hear the stories and tales from the house and of the different Governer Generals. Great tour and a good insight into a part...More

    Ask Jane W about Government House
    Thank Jane W
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
    Reviewed June 7, 2017 via mobile
    Tour

    Our Tour of Government House is a wonderful experience for everyone who lives in Wellington plus Visitors from out of Wellington and New Zealand. The Tour Guides no their job and make the Tour very interesting for all. I recommended this Tour to anyone.

    Ask ccdd1 about Government House
    Thank ccdd1
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
    Reviewed April 25, 2017
    Fantastic free tour

    Government Houses around the world can sometimes be hard to get into, but here in New Zealand it couldn't be a simpler or more rewarding experience. The tour starts in the small but jam-packed visitor centre with a short video before moving to the house...More

    Ask geographyguy_11 about Government House
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    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
    Reviewed February 6, 2017 via mobile
    Afternoon with the GG.

    We didn't go into Government House but we're there as guests of the GG for Waitangi Day celebrations. Beautiful period piece of architecture in a stunning botanical setting. We will return to Wellington do the free tour soon. Lovely grounds and the staff for the...More

    Ask OsteoG about Government House
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    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
    Reviewed January 31, 2017
    Tour of Government House

    This was a very interesting visit. Our guide knew the property so well, her knowledge was inspiring. She was friendly and polite and took us slowly around answering our questions. The tour took about two hours, including the beautiful maintained grounds. It is an amazing...More

    Ask chicksncats about Government House
    Thank chicksncats
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
    Reviewed January 25, 2017
    BOOK A TOUR

    You can book a tour of Government House, the official residence of the NZ Governor-General. Bookings are easily done online. The tour takes about 2 hours and includes both inside and out. The state rooms are amazing - not overly opulent, but certainly befitting the...More

    Ask silverstreak78 about Government House
    Thank silverstreak78
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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