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MAC Wellington - Political Wellington
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It may not be everyone's cup of tea but in terms of the New Zealand political scene, Wellington is where it all happens. Begin your day by scanning the local paper The Dominion over breakfast at a local café. Popular breakfast haunts for the city's movers and shakers are the Lido, Paris, and Caffe Astoria. Refreshed and ready for business, begin your political tour at the National Archives where the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document is held.

Returning to Lambton Quay, visit the Old Government Buildings. The first governments were run from the Northland town of Russell but when the parliament later moved to Wellington it was housed for many years in these purpose-built wooden buildings. You can visit the inside on your own and there are many interesting photos and explanatory notes displayed. The building now houses the University's Law Faculty and the Department of Conservation information centre.

Time for lunch and where better than the Backbencher Pub, famous for the political caricatures which grace its walls and for a menu based on current politicians. If you are lucky you may even catch some of them dining here when the House is in session.

Across the road is the magnificent and newly refurbished complex of buildings which make up the current Parliament. Guided hour-long tours run throughout the day and will give you an excellent view of the interior of the complex including the Parliamentary Library, the Maori Select Committee rooms and, of course, the debating chamber.







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Archives New Zealand


Early New Zealand on display
10 Mulgrave Street
Thorndon
Wellington, New Zealand 6144
New Zealand
+64 4 499 5595
http://www.archives.govt.nz
As the storehouse of New Zealand's records, the National Archives are a treasure trove of government records and her early history. View the Treaty of Waitangi, access early maps and plans (The archives hold the largest cartographic collection in New Zealand. They store over 300,000 maps, plans and blueprints - the earliest dating from 1839), artworks and photographs. There is always an exhibition being held on an aspect of New Zealand's history. Delve into the past to get a glimpse of some of the things that made us what we are.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Backbencher Pub and Cafe


For political humour
34 Molesworth Street
Thorndon
Wellington 6001
New Zealand
+64 4 472 3065
If you find yourself near Parliament Buildings be sure to look in at this lively and relaxed pub and café famous for its political satire and substantial fare. Big lunches and dinners, plus an all day bar menu, a weekend brunch and lively atmosphere. Try the Clark's Lamb Shanks or the Seafood Policy of the Day. Often frequented by public servants, politician's secretaries, journalists and others who buzz near the beehive. Also caters for functions for 20-300 people.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Backbencher Pub and Cafe photo by Grant Cherrington
Photo: Grant Cherrington
Backbencher Pub and Cafe photo by kara.anne fraser
Photo: kara.anne fraser
Backbencher Pub and Cafe photo by Seth Mazow
Photo: Seth Mazow
 

 
Caffe Astoria


Fresh coffee on Midland
159 Lambton Quay
Wellington 6001
New Zealand
+64 4 473 8500
This cafe is beautifully situated on the edge of Midland Park in the heart of the shopping district. A favourite haunt of the corporate crowd (take your cellphone to feel at home) who, in summer, spill onto the square as diners meet workers with packed lunches in the sun. Reminiscent of a Vienna coffee house, this warm wood panelled cafe is the place for a revitalising coffee made from beans freshly ground on the premises. Also serves snacks, light lunches and dinner. Licensed.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Caffe Astoria photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Lido Cafe


Ever popular
81-85 Victoria Street
Wellington 6001
New Zealand
+64 4 499 6666
This established stylish inner city cafe on a busy intersection near Civic Square is always full. Perhaps because of its low-key decor, attractive bar, and pleasant indoor and outdoor seating. It is frequented by a varied crowd including students, families, suits, travellers, and other city dwellers who appreciate the reasonably priced lunches, wine by the bottle or glass, affordable all day snacks, mellow music and central location.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Lido Cafe photo by Victoria van Bokhove
Photo: Victoria van Bokhove
Lido Cafe photo by Victoria van Bokhove
Photo: Victoria van Bokhove
 

 
Old Government Buildings


Original seat of Government
15 Lambton Quay
Wellington 6001
New Zealand
+64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre)
One of the largest wooden buildings in the Southern hemisphere, this complex was built to house the early New Zealand governments and much of the public service. Italian in style, the imposing facade is designed to reflect the stone work of the period. Features of particular interest include a magnificent central staircase and an early example of a hydraulic lift. The original cabinet room is also open to public viewing. Newly restored, the complex now houses the Victoria University Law School and the Department of Conservation information office.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Old Government Buildings photo by Tom Law
Photo: Tom Law
Old Government Buildings photo by www.bodhiimages.com
Photo: www.bodhiimages.com
Old Government Buildings photo by Victor Lam
Photo: Victor Lam
 

 
Paris


Good place to unwind
132 Lambton Quay
Wellington 6001
New Zealand
+64 4 472 4732
This attractive place to unwind after a hard day's shopping serves a range of wine, beer, spirits and snacks to order. Light lunches, such as quiche and salad, and the handy location in the heart of Wellington's main downtown shopping area make it the choice of shoppers and business people alike. There is indoor or sidewalk seating, but get there early to beat the after-work crowd. The formal restaurant, situated upstairs, is ideal for a cosmopolitan business lunch.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Paris photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Parliament Buildings


Seat of Government
Corner of Molesworth Street and Lambton Quay
Wellington 6001
New Zealand
+64 4 471 9999
http://www.parliament.govt.nz/
The Parliament Buildings—the Edwardian neo-classical Parliament House, gothic Parliamentary Library and contemporary Beehive—are toured by more than a million visitors each year. Explore history here! The debating chamber has seen its share of controversy—in 1893 New Zealand became the first country in the world to grant women the vote. Ghost stories exist too. It is rumoured, an early Member of Parliament, William Larnach, haunts the corridors of the magnificent Gothic library complex (1897)in which he shot himself. Admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Parliament Buildings photo by Richard Scott Souder
Photo: Richard Scott Souder
Parliament Buildings photo by Nicole Ashley
Photo: Nicole Ashley
Parliament Buildings photo by John Lewis
Photo: John Lewis
Parliament Buildings photo by Dan Nelson
Photo: Dan Nelson
Parliament Buildings photo by T. F. Henriksen
Photo: T. F. Henriksen
Parliament Buildings photo by David Curlewis
Photo: David Curlewis
Parliament Buildings photo by Brandon Jones
Photo: Brandon Jones
Parliament Buildings photo by Tom Rataj
Photo: Tom Rataj
Parliament Buildings photo by The Chosun Bimbo
Photo: The Chosun Bimbo
Parliament Buildings photo by dean_b_2
Photo: dean_b_2
Parliament Buildings photo by CynnyW
Photo: CynnyW
Parliament Buildings photo by Matthew Knox
Photo: Matthew Knox
 

 
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