Photo of one of the large hanging bells, larger than a person in the Carillon Tower. A visitor admires it through a protective barrier.
Book early

Explore the National War Memorial: Hall of Memories and Carillon Tower tour

Image courtesy of Manatū Taonga

Tour the iconic Carillon Tower at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park and discover one of Wellington’s most remarkable heritage landmarks from the inside.

This guided tour offers a rare opportunity to visit areas usually closed to the public, including the playing room (clavier), where carillonists perform concerts by hand and foot. Explore the bell frame housing all 74 bells and learn how this extraordinary instrument works. Marvel at the scale of the bells, ranging from the largest at over 12 tonnes to the smallest at just five kilograms. Hear about the resting place of New Zealand’s Unknown Warrior, and the Hall of Memories, home to New Zealand’s Rolls of Honour.

With only six places available per tour, visitors can enjoy an intimate and engaging experience of this nationally significant memorial site.

The tour is 1-hour long. Participants will be split in two groups and spend 30 minutes inside the Carillon Tower and 30 minutes in the Hall of Memories and with the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior. Advance booking is essential.

Health & Safety

Participants must have good mobility and be reasonably comfortable with heights, as there are stairs and ladders to navigate. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.

Location
Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, 19 Buckle Street, Mount Cook, Wellington

Regions

Wellington CBD
Wellington

Tags

Site Tour

Event times

1:30-2:30pm Sat 24 Oct


Booking required

Cost: $35

Book now

3-4pm Sat 24 Oct


Booking required

Cost: $35

Book now

1:30-2:30pm Sun 1 Nov


Booking required

Cost: $35

Book now

3-4pm Sun 1 Nov


Booking required

Cost: $35

Book now

1:30-2:30pm Sat 7 Nov


Booking required

Cost: $35

Book now

3-4pm Sat 7 Nov


Booking required

Cost: $35

Book now

1:30-2:30pm Sun 15 Nov


Booking required

Cost: $35

Book now

3-4pm Sun 15 Nov


Booking required

Cost: $35

Book now

Event hosts

Wellington Museum at Pukeahu National War Memorial

Te Waka Huia o Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho Wellington Museum shares the fascinating stories of the Wellington region, working together with Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage to welcome New Zealanders to Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. Wellington Museum is part of Wheako Pōneke Experience Wellington. Principal funder Wellington City Council.

Email: museumtours@experiencewellington.org.nz

Website: https://www.museumswellington.org.nz/wellington-museum/

Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Pukeahu National War Memorial Park is the national place for New Zealanders to remember and reflect on this country’s experience of war, military conflict and peacekeeping, and how that experience shapes our ideals and sense of national identity. Created in 2015 to enhance the setting for the National War Memorial, the park is a public gathering space for ceremonial occasions. The park is also a place for memorials from countries with which New Zealand has a shared military heritage. Pukeahu is cared for by Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

Email: pukeahu@mch.govt.nz

Phone: 04 499 4229

Website: https://www.mch.govt.nz/our-work/memorials-and-commemorations/pukeahu-national-war-memorial-park