The "Beehive" is the landmark of Wellington. The New Zealand Parliament was built between 1969 and 1979 as an extension of the old parliament building. It stands alongside the classicist parliament of 1922. The 72 m high "Beehive" was planned by Scottish architect Sir Basil Urwin Spence. 

Molesworth Street

www.parliament.nz

The victorian building of the Parliamentary Library was built in two phases; the western part was built in 1883; the eastern part, which protrudes slightly, was completed in 1899. The architect Thomas Turnbull used historic archetypes for his design of the Library, probably he took some details of the cathedral of Siena. 

Hill Street

The "Old Government Building" was inaugurated in 1876. It was by then the largest building in New Zealand. Wellington became the countries capital in 1865 and the government moved from Auckland to the south. In the early days of the new capital, the government building served as a place of accommodation for all government offices. As the authorities grew, more and more offices moved out of the building until the building was empty in 1990. Today the rooms are used by the university. The neo-Renaissance building was designed by architect William Clyton. Even if the building looks like a stone house, it is a pure wooden construction, because concrete and stone were significantly more expensive. The "Old Government Building" is one of the most important historical monuments of New Zealand. 

Lambton Quay

The red cable car is one of the main attractions of Wellington. The cable car starts close to the main shopping street and leads to a view point above the city center. From here you have the most beautiful panorama over the city and the Bay of Wellington. On the hill top there is the "Wellington Botanic Garden", a very popular sight of Wellington. 

280 Lambton Quay

www.wellingtoncablecar.co.nz

The city center of Wellington is located along the Lambton Quay Road. In the Wellington Central Business District there are many office towers, international hotels and large department stores. But you can also find a large number of cafés, pubs and restaurants.

Lambton Quay

As early as 1840 the construction of a cathedral in Wellington began. However, the brick building was not further developed, because the material proved to be non-earthquake safe. The Cathedral of St Paul was built in 1964 according to the plans of Cecil Wood, made of reinforced concrete. The bell tower was added in 1984. 

45 Molesworth Street

Wellington's main railway station was opened in 1937. The building was erected earthquake-proof. From here, trains go to Auckland, Palmerston and urban trains serve the Wellington vicinity. The neoclassical design with Doric columns, was designed by William Gray Young, an architect from Wellington. 

Bunny Street

www.kiwirail.co.nz

The "MLC Building" was built in 1940 for the Australian Mutual Life & Citizens Assurance Company. The architects Mitchell & Mitchell from Wellington designed the office tower in Art Deco style. In 1985 the New Zealand business of the MLC was taken over by New Zealand Insurance. In 1987 the "MLC Building" was added to the list of national historic places. 

Lambton Quay/Hunter St.

www.heritage.org.nz

The "Cuba Street" is the urban center of Wellington. Here you will find smal shops, coffee houses, restaurants and bars. Between Manners Street and Ghuznee Street there is a pedestrian zone. The "Cuba Street" has been named after an immigrant ship, but there are some shops that have made the country of Cuba to their subject. 

Cuba Street

Wellington is located on a large bay and is still a port town. A part of the harbor has been redesigned, now there are restaurants and shops in some of the old warehouses. The "Wellington Waterfront Walk" connects the most interesting places along the harbor basin. On a beautiful day, the waterfront becomes the living room of the capital. 

Waterfront Walk