From early Maori settlement through to the hub of central government, Wellington offers a full spectrum of insights into New Zealand’s past.

You can tread the hallowed halls of the old wooden Government Buildings; find out where enemy “aliens” were interned during both world wars; walk the steepest ever section of the mainline railway in New Zealand; and visit historic sites associated with early Maori habitation, sawmilling, transport, whaling, farming, defence, recreation, and nature conservation. We are protecting these sites so that our cultural heritage can be appreciated now and in the future.