Frequently Asked Questions
Parliament is on the corner of Lambton Quay, Bowen Street, and Molesworth Street. The public entrance is off the Parliament forecourt, and step-free access is available from gates on Molesworth Street.
Parliament is within 10 minutes walking distance of the Wellington Railway Station- follow the signs to Lambton Quay & Parliament from within the station.
Parliament is served by buses 2, 13, 33, and 34 on Bowen Street and 14, 22, 32x, 81, and 84 on Molesworth Street.
There is no parking on the Parliamentary grounds. Metered parking is available on the side streets around the Parliamentary grounds.
Visitors with mobility access requirements may be set down on the forecourt. The driver must remove the vehicle from the forecourt as soon as the drop-off or pick-up is complete. Aitken Street has the closest accessible parking.
Bollards are in place around Parliamentary buildings. To gain access to the forecourt you must contact security by pressing the intercom button for assistance.
All visitors to Parliament buildings are required to undergo security screening. The screening process provided by the Parliamentary Service Security team helps maintain a safe and protected environment.
If you require any assistance with the security screening process, please ask one of our security officers for assistance.
If you have any specific concerns or questions about the security screening process, in advance please contact the Operational Security Team Leader on +64 4 817 9462.
You may take photos inside the booked function venue.
The NZ Parliament grounds are designated smoke, vape and alcohol free. Please respect the Parliament precinct and refrain from smoking or bringing alcohol onto the grounds.
Parliamentary Service is the sole caterer in the event spaces of Parliament buildings and as such has a wide repertoire of food and beverage items available.
Parliament is a non-smoking venue, inside and outside, including the immediate areas around the main entrance.
The following prohibited items must not be brought to Parliament:
• Flammable liquids or accelerants (e.g., petrol, diesel, CNG, and LPG)
• Weapons or other equipment that could cause harm
• Items that produce flames or extreme heat (including candles and cooking appliances)
• Smoke machines
• Helium balloons.
• Restricted items can only be brought to Parliament with prior written approval.
Please talk to your Events and Sales Coordinator if you wish to bring in:
· Potentially offensive material
· Food or beverages (for sale or sample), including coffee machines
· Any large items of equipment (over 2 x 2 meters or 30 kilograms).
Accessible routes within the buildings are sign posted to avoid stairs. The floor coverings in the buildings are linoleum, marble tiles or short pile carpet. Accessible lifts are available and have braille control panels, some lifts are also talking lifts. Accessible toilet facilities are available on the ground floor of Parliament House and in the Visitor Centre.
Please speak with your Event Coordinator host ahead of your visit to discuss access requirements.
New Zealand Parliament is part of the hidden disabilities scheme. As part of this, sunflower lanyards, wristbands, and badges are available at our Visitor Centre and Reception desks for visitors who may want to indicate they have a hidden disability or a need for additional support.
