The Ballroom

  • <span class="title">Throne</span><br/>One of the two thrones on the dais at the northern end of the Ballroom.
  • <span class="title">Chandeliers</span><br/>The Czech crystal chandeliers in the Ballroom were acquired in 1966 at the prompting of Lady Fergusson, during Sir Bernard Fergusson’s term of as Governor-General (1962 – 1967).
  • <span class="title">Ballroom entrance</span><br/>The doorways in the Ballroom feature ornate architraves and Greek columns.
  • <span class="title">Queen Victoria</span><br/>This large portrait shows Queen Victoria aged 21, about the time she commissioned William Hobson, New Zealand's first resident Governor. The painting is on permanent loan from Queen Elizabeth. It hung formerly in Windsor Castle, and is a copy of an 1843 painting by Franz Winterhalter, said by Queen Victoria to be “the portrait she liked best”.
  • <span class="title">Piano</span><br/>The Bluthner grand piano in the Ballroom is used at many functions and has been played by some of New Zealand’s foremost pianists, including Michael Houstoun.
  • <span class="title">Queen Elizabeth II</span><br/>This large portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, painted by Denis Fildes, hangs above the two thrones in the Ballroom. The painting is said to be one of The Queen’s favourites.
  • <span class="title">The Ballroom</span><br/>The Ballroom, venue for many functions from investiture ceremonies to charity dinners and, of course, occasional balls.

The Ballroom is the largest room in Government House. It is used for receptions, concerts, balls, investitures and other award ceremonies, as well as for large formal dinners and lunches.