Wellington is celebrating its 150th birthday as the nation's capital and when you are that old there are a few things you need to check inside to see if they are still working.
On July 26, 1865 (it was a Wednesday) parliament sat for the first time in Wellington, and being the seat of power has significantly influenced the city's growth and influence.
To mark the 150th anniversary, the city is opening up a number of its institutions which would normally be closed to the public.
They include Premier House, Government House, Te Papa's off-site storage facility, inside the Cenotaph and the Supreme Court building.
Parliament itself will be staying up late at the weekend, with a sound and light show projected onto the buildings themselves, and a concert by Dave Dave Dobbyn and the Orpheus Choir from 5pm on today, tomorrow and Monday.
The NZSO, NZ Ballet, local artists, theatres and other attractions will also be holding special events.
For the appropriate Wellington feel, the weather is predicted to be a mixed bag, with a fine day today and rain and gale northerlies hitting on tomorrow.
There will also be something of an Auckland feel, with the city council warning motorists there may be heavy traffic around some events.
Parliament first sat in Russell in 1840, before moving to Auckland a year later.
NZN