Entrance and Main Hall

  • <span class="title">Pou</span><br/><p> One of two pou, or pillar facings, which feature prominently in the Entrance Hall. The pou were carved out of totara in the Taranaki style and stand more than two metres tall. They were installed during the term of Sir Paul Reeves who carved a small section himself. </p>
  • <span class="title">Lord Islington's Coat of Arms</span><br/>The first Coat of Arms to be installed in the Entrance Hall was that carved for Lord Islington (1910-12), who was the first vice-regal resident in the House.
  • <span class="title">Coats of Arms</span><br/>The paneled walls of the Entrance Hall feature carved coats of arms of the former Governors and Governors-General who have lived in the House.
  • <span class="title">Stained glass window</span><br/>These large, beautiful stained glass windows on the landing of the main staircase feature the Royal Coat of Arms.
  • <span class="title">Radiator</span><br/>The radiators in the Hall are part of the original house fittings. 
  • <span class="title">The Hall</span><br/>The Hall, with its many paintings and artefacts, is one of the favourite parts of Government House for those with an eye for art. It is about 50 metres in length.

The Entrance and Main Hall, with its lush, red carpets and impressive collections of paintings and artefacts, is one of the most admired parts of Government House.