Old High Court open evening

Step back into 140 years of legal history when the Old High Court opens to the public on the evening of Wednesday 6 November, as part of the Wellington Heritage Festival.

Opened in 1881, the Old High Court in Wellington has heard many significant court cases, from the defining — the hearing following Parihaka, Bill Sutch’s espionage trial, and the case that stopped the All Blacks from playing in apartheid South Africa — to the intriguing: “A startling occurrence” in the Kirkcaldie & Stains tearoom.

The open evening provides a unique opportunity to explore the meticulously restored Category 1 Heritage Building. Follow the discovery trail, find out more about the courts, historic cases, previous Chief Justices, and descend to the cells below.

Suitable for families, no booking is required.

Wednesday 6 November, 5:15-7:30pm
Old High Court Building
Entry via Stout Street.
Wellington 6011