The Entrance and Main Hall

One of two pou, or pillar facings, which feature prominently in the Entrance Hall. The pou are carved out of totara in the Taranaki style and stand more than two metres tall. They were installed during the term of Sir Paul Reeves who carved a small section himself.

Guests to Government House Wellington enter under a covered porte coche on the southern side of the House.

The Entrance Hall features the carved coats of arms of the Governors and Governors-General who have lived in the House as well as two pou, or pillar facings, installed during the term of Sir Paul Reeves.  A large wooden staircase leads to the guest suites and the private rooms of the Governor-General and spouse.

The Hall, with its lush carpets and impressive collections of paintings and artefacts, is one of the most admired parts of Government House Wellington.

In the west wing of the Hall hang the portraits of previous Governors and Governors-General, going back to Captain Hobson. The east wing contains display cases for gifts from foreign Heads of State and Ambassadors and some of the gifts given by Māori to Sir Paul Reeves during his term of office.