House and Grounds

The morning sun shines on Government House Wellington. The flag on the tower indicates the Governor-General is in residence. The conservatory is to the left.

Government House in Wellington is a large, two-storey house, built mostly of wood, with attics, a grand staircase, a ballroom, dozens of other large and small rooms, very long corridors and a flag tower.

Designed in the office of the Government Architect, John Campbell, the designer of Parliament Buildings, principally by his assistant, Claude Paton, it was built between 1908 and 1910.  The first vice-regal resident was Lord Islington who was Governor from 1910 to 1912.  In late 2008, the House closed for a three-year conservation project. 

Government House Wellington has eleven bedrooms and two large suites, as well as a ballroom, sitting rooms, service rooms and a wing of offices. The House has a floor area of about 4,200 square metres (45,000 sq. ft.).

Prior to its closure, more than 10,000 people visited the House every year, invited to one or more of the many functions held there. These in-House events ranged from investitures and diplomatic receptions, to conferences, concerts, exhibitions and community morning teas. In addition, members of the Royal Family, Heads of State and other distinguished guests often stayed at the House when visiting New Zealand.

As well as the Gatehouse at the main gate, other buildings and facilities include a tennis court and pavilion, a small swimming pool, a World War II-era bomb shelter, a squash court, eight cottages and garages.

The grounds, which have been endorsed as a "Garden of National Significance" by the New Zealand Gardens Trust, cover about 12 hectares, some of which is flat lawn or garden, with much of the rest being steep hillside. Exotic species of trees are increasingly being complemented by trees and shrubs native to New Zealand. During the term of Sir Michael Hardie Boys (1996 - 2001), the grounds were extensively redeveloped and re-landscaped.

The grounds have many heritage features, with plaques marking trees planted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, the late Māori Queen, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, and former Governors-General and their spouses.  The grounds were once the site of the Mt View Asylum and a remnant from that era, known as "Convict's Wall" still exists.