Old Government Buildings, Majestic Wooden Marvel of the Southern Hemisphere
15 Lambton Quay, Wellington
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Introduction
Located across from the New Zealand Parliament building, the Old Government Building is one of the largest wooden structures in the Southern Hemisphere. Its grand exterior and luxurious interior, including spacious staircases, cast-iron fireplaces, and the famous kauri wood paneling, make it a treasure of New Zealand's architectural culture.
The design of the Old Government Building draws inspiration from the Italian palazzos, reflecting the vision and spirit of the empire during the colonial era. During its construction, the architect ingeniously employed New Zealand's finest native wood - kauri - as the interior decoration material. As kauri is now a protected plant, this approach was undoubtedly a groundbreaking attempt in the construction industry at the time.
Today, the Old Government Building remains one of the most iconic historic buildings in New Zealand, attracting visitors from around the world. As part of New Zealand's cultural heritage, it plays a positive role in promoting local tourism and economic development. Address 15 Lambton Quay, Wellington
Opening hours Showroom: Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 16:00, also open on Saturdays from January to Easter from 10:00 to 16:00, with tours available from 11:00 to 14:00.
Transportation Located in the CBD area of Wellington city center, just a few steps away from the train station.