House and Grounds

Government House Wellington was built between 1908 and 1910 and it has a floor area of about 4,200 m2. The grounds cover about 12 hectares, some of which is flat lawn or garden, with much of the rest being steep hillside.

Government House Wellington's Northern lawn

The morning sun shines on the north facing side of Government House Wellington.

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Government House aerial

An aerial view of Government House Wellington looking towards Wellington city.

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Government House (north)

The northern elevation of Government House Wellington seen through the many trees which grace the grounds.

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Convict's Wall

Convict's Wall is a remnant of the Mt View Asylum which was situated on the Government House grounds prior to construction beginning in 1908.

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Aerial view

This aerial view of Government House also shows the large front lawn to the north of the House, where visiting Heads of State are formally welcomed to New Zealand by the Governor-General.

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Her MajestyQueen Elizabeth II became New Zealand's Queen on 6 February 1952. To mark her Diamond Jubilee, a special section of the Governor-General's website has been created.
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Features

  • Open to view - credentials ceremonies
    Watch the video of a credentials ceremony at Government House
  • Western Bay of Plenty regional visit
    The Governor-General makes his first official visit.
  • Open Days
    Government House opens its doors to mark the Diamond Jubilee
  • Christchurch and Canterbury Earthquake Anniversary
    The Governor-General's Programme
  • Waitangi Celebrations 2012
    The Governor-General's first Waitangi Day Programme
  • Governor-General's New Year Message
    Sir Jerry Mateparae issues his 1st New Year message - watch the video
  • State Opening of Parliament
    Governor-General announces the Government's plans
  • Speaker-elect confirmation ceremony
    Dr Smith confirmed as Speaker of the House
  • Appointment of the new Government
    The Governor-General appoints the new Government
  • Queen's Diamond Jubilee Emblem
    New emblem to mark the Diamond Jubilee
  • Rugby World Cup
    Message from the Queen of New Zealand on the All Blacks' victory
  • State Swearing-in of Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae
    A Government House short film
  • Royal NZ Navy 70th Anniversary
    The Governor-General hosted and attended associated events
  • New Zealand Gallantry Awards
    Government House has today issued a special honours list
  • One year on from the 4 September 2010 Canterbury earthquake
    Governor-General issues a message
  • Swearing in ceremony
    Sir Jerry Mateparae to become NZ's 20th Governor-General
  • Sir Paul Reeves
    New Zealand's first Governor-General of Maori descent dies
  • Visit by King George Tupou V of Tonga
    The Governor-General hosted a State Welcome for the King of Tonga
  • Māori King visits Government House
    The King plants a tree to mark the visit
  • Matariki
    The Governor-General's 2011 Matariki Message
  • The Royal Wedding
    Sir Anand and Lady Susan attended the Royal Wedding on 29 April
  • ANZAC Day message
    The Governor-General's message for ANZAC Day commemorations
  • The National Christchurch Memorial Service
    Details and photos are available here.
  • Christchurch Earthquake
    Governor-General offers the support of all New Zealanders
  • Canterbury earthquake
    World leaders send messages of support to New Zealand
  • Waitangi Day 2011
    Sir Anand Satyanand's last Waitangi Day as Governor-General
  • New Year Message
    Governor-General issues his message for 2011
  • Pike River Mine Tragedy
    World leaders send messages of support to New Zealand
  • Governor-General visits Canterbury
    A visit to support and encourage those affected by the earthquake
  • New Year Message
    Governor-General issues his message for 2010
  • Governor-General's 2009 New Year Message
    New Zealanders urged to volunteer