Ever wondered where the royals stay when visiting New Zealand? We visit Government House.

Crimson carpet, decorative dining rooms, and personal pictures with princes and popes are just some of the things you will find in Government House.

The official residence of the governor-general is opening its doors this month to mark 150 years of Wellington being the capital.

CAMERON BURNELL/ FAIRFAX NZ Government House official secretary Gregory Baughen says he thinks it is right that the public know what's inside the residence.

With eight guest suites, a self-contained apartment for the governor-general and his or her family, as well as a ballroom, conservatory, sitting rooms, service rooms, kitchens and a wing of offices, Government House is about the closest thing Wellington has to Downton Abbey.

The manager of the house, official secretary Gregory Baughen, says it is only right the public should be able to take a look at the residence.

"We have this large house, with large grounds, they belong to the public of New Zealand. I think it is right the public should know what's here," he says.

Baughen, who has been in the job since Christmas, says there is never a dull day running the house – especially because the governor-general likes to keep busy.

"It's a faster pace than I expected. There's seldom a day, even in the weekend, that he is not carrying out duties."

Throughout the years since it was completed in 1910, the house has played host to the Queen and her family, along with other notable names.

Those that come along to the open day can expect to see the house almost as it would be if a member of the royal family were staying.

"We will have it decorated with the dining room set up, there will be displays in the ballroom. Obviously it will be a sunny day."

Francis McCaffery, who has been working at the house since 1982, says she has seen a number of famous faces over the year.

"Nelson Mandela was my favourite. It's always nice to have the royals. They are the benchmark we judge ourselves against."

When McCaffery first started at Government House, she lived on the grounds, but nowadays none of the staff live on the property.

"It was lovely, I lived down by the back gate. It was hard to get away because you were always on call, but you are in this beautiful environment all the day," she says.

Staff say there is one especially pampered permanent resident, the Government House cat Boots, whom visitors may get to meet on the day.

Government House will be open to the public on July 25 and 26 from 10am-5pm, free.