Supreme Court of New Zealand

The Supreme Court of New Zealand sits at Lambton Quay in Wellington as the nation's highest court of law. The building stands out with a bronze-screen facade and red glass panels patterned with native plants, creating its distinctive appearance.

The court was established in 2004 as the nation's highest independent authority, replacing the role of the Privy Council in London. This shift marked a key move toward legal independence for New Zealand.

The court blends English common law with Māori legal perspectives in how it conducts cases and interprets the law. You can see this mix reflected in the way judges approach hearings and consider different viewpoints.

The building at Lambton Quay is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM and is fully accessible to all visitors. Note that some areas may be restricted when court sessions are in progress.

Each courtroom contains furniture crafted from ancient kauri wood retrieved from swamps on the North Island. This rare material gives the spaces a tangible link to New Zealand's natural past.

Location: Wellington

Inception: January 1, 2004

Website: https://courtsofnz.govt.nz/the-courts/supreme-court

GPS coordinates: -41.28004,174.77685

Latest update: December 20, 2025 15:28