The New Zealand Portrait Gallery sits in Shed 11 on Wellington’s waterfront, a short walk from the commercial centre with harbour views in both directions. It presents portraits of New Zealanders — historical and contemporary, political and cultural — and entry is free every day of the year.
Practical Information
| Address | Shed 11, 60 Lady Elizabeth Lane, Wellington Waterfront 6011 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 10:30am–4:30pm (closed Good Friday and Christmas Day) |
| Admission | Free |
| Getting There | 8-minute walk from Wellington Railway Station; 4-minute walk from Lambton Quay bus stops |
| Parking | Metered street parking on Customhouse Quay and Lady Elizabeth Lane; Wilson Parking under TSB Arena off Jervois Quay |
| Accessibility | Step-free access throughout; all on one level; mobility parking opposite the rear of the gallery near TSB Arena |
About the Gallery
The gallery was established as a national institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, and presenting portraits by and of New Zealanders. Its exhibitions rotate regularly, drawing from the permanent collection alongside curated loan shows. The range is broad — politicians, artists, athletes, writers, community figures — and the portraits themselves span painting, photography, and mixed media from different periods in New Zealand history.
Shed 11 is a heritage building on the Wellington Waterfront, originally part of the port’s working infrastructure. The waterfront setting places the gallery naturally alongside a foreshore walk — it sits near the Te Papa end of the waterfront precinct, close to Chaffers Marina and Chaffers Dock.
The Waterfront Setting
The gallery’s position on the waterfront is a genuine advantage. Lady Elizabeth Lane connects Customhouse Quay to the foreshore, and the surrounding area includes cafés, the Chaffers Dock development, and open harbour views. It’s easy to combine a gallery visit with a walk along the waterfront or a stop at one of the nearby food options — making it a natural part of a day on the Wellington foreshore.
Where to Learn More
Visit page — full directions, parking options, and accessibility details.
FAQ
Is the NZ Portrait Gallery free?
Yes — entry is free to most exhibitions every day.
What are the opening hours?
Daily 10:30am to 4:30pm. Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Where is the gallery located?
Shed 11, 60 Lady Elizabeth Lane, on the Wellington Waterfront. It’s near Chaffers Marina, an 8-minute walk from Wellington Railway Station.
Is there parking nearby?
Metered street parking is available on Customhouse Quay and Lady Elizabeth Lane. Wilson Parking is available under the TSB Arena, accessible from Jervois Quay.
Is the gallery accessible for people with mobility needs?
Yes — the building is fully step-free and on one level, with mobility parking spaces available opposite the rear entrance near TSB Arena.
How long does a visit typically take?
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the exhibitions currently showing.
What kind of portraits are on display?
Painted, drawn, and photographic portraits of New Zealanders from many different backgrounds and periods — from political and public figures to artists, athletes, and community leaders.
Also on the Wellington waterfront: Wellington Museum covers the city’s maritime and social history in a converted Bond Store nearby. For more cultural attractions across the capital, see Historical and Cultural Sites in Wellington.
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