General accessibility information
Government House has marked mobility parks by the reception entrance and Visitor Centre. We also have general parking on-site for visitors.
The house and Visitor Centre are wheelchair friendly and have wheelchair access bathrooms. There are extra wheelchairs available on request.
If you are bringing infants or small children, a change table is available.
Visitors who are not sure if they will be able to use the gate intercom should email the person they are visiting in advance.
The property is on a hill. The Basin Reserve entrance driveway is sloped and .8km long. If you are arriving on foot for an event and need assistance please advise us. The Hospital Road entrance, while shorter, has a steep hill from Adelaide Road. This is the entrance gate for tours.
The grounds of Government House are variable with their accessibility. If you have any concerns or queries, please contact the person you are visiting or the Visitor Centre.
We may be able to arrange sign-language interpreters with advance notice.
Our Visitor Centre can email you social stories about tours and visual guides for getting here. Email [email protected] or phone 04 3820837.
The nearest bus stop for tours (Hospital Road gate) is outside Wellington Hospital. The closest bus stop for visitors entering through the main gate is at the Basin Reserve. Remember, both foot-routes involve a hill.
Attending events at Government House
If you've been invited to an event, you will have received information with your invitation. This will tell you which entry gate to use, dress requirements, timings and parking information.
If you have any questions about an event you're attending, including accessibility, please email [email protected]
Wheelchairs are available for use. Please let us know in advance if you need a wheelchair or mobility parking. You should also tell security about your parking needs when you check in.
Your guide dog (or any other assistance dog) can accompany you at an event. Please advise us in advance.
A New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) interpreter may support you at an event. As NZSL interpreters have to be booked, we'd appreciate as much notice as possible to make sure we can meet your request.
First Aid-trained providers are available at Government House in case you should feel unwell.
Government House and its grounds are smoke free. Please respect this.
Attending meetings at Government House
Unless otherwise advised, entry for meetings is via Hospital Road. All visitors to the complex will have their names given to security in advance of the meeting. Please check in with security using the gate intercom.
If the intercom will be difficult for you to use, please email the person you're meeting with.
Tell security about any wheelchair access needs when you check in.
Government House reception is at the western end of the main house. There is visitor parking and reserved mobility parking by the office entrance.
First Aid-trained providers are available at Government House in case you should feel unwell.
Government House and its grounds are smoke free. Please respect this.
Tours
Tour bookings
You must make bookings in advance of your tour date. Public tour bookings close 24 hours before a tour. Security requirements mean only the people booked on a tour can attend. We check names at the entrance gate.
Group tours are arranged through our Visitor Centre - email [email protected] or phone 04 3820837. Any bookings need to be made at least 24 hours in advance of your visit.
If you arrive without a booking, you will not be able to enter the grounds.
Our Visitor Centre can email you social stories about tours and visual guides for getting here. Email [email protected] or phone 04 3820837.
Getting to your tour
Unless otherwise arranged, all tours start at the Government House Visitor Centre.
The entry gate for tours of Government House is off Hospital Road in Newtown. Hospital Road is a side street of Adelaide Road, and 5 minutes drive from Wellington CBD.
There is no entry for tours through the Basin Reserve gate.
Our Visitor Centre can email you maps and visual guides for getting here. Email [email protected] or phone 04 3820837.
Coming by vehicle: Turn onto Hospital Road from Adelaide Road. The gate to Government House is on your left, about 200m up the hill.
If the gate isn't manned, please use the intercom. Please email us at [email protected] if the intercom will be difficult for you to use.
You can park at the Visitor Centre.
Coming by public transport: This route isn't suitable for people with limited mobility. The nearest bus stop to Hospital Road is outside or opposite the main entrance to Wellington Hospital. From here, cut through the main carpark (between the man hospital building and the children's hospital) and up the path to reach Hospital Road and carry on uphill until you see the vehicle gate on your right.
Coming on foot: This route is not suitable for people with limited mobility. Turn onto Hospital Road from Adelaide Road and walk uphill until you see the vehicle gate on your right.
If the gate isn't manned, please use the intercom. Please email us at [email protected] if the intercom will be difficult for you to use.