Wellington brothel Il Bordello is believed to be the first such establishment to fall victim to an armed robbery.
The hold-up took place late last night, after a bumper weekend's business, which catered for record crowds of revellers who were in town for the Wellington Rugby Sevens.
The armed robber made his escape out of the discrete back entrance down Swan Lane, after pointing a sawn off rifle at the female receptionist.
"Staff and the girls handled it really well, so I'm really proud of them," says manager Phiona Baskett.
Il Bordello's management was cagey about just how much money was taken and whether it was all or just part of the big weekend's takings. However police say it was around $20,000.
The brothel reopened this afternoon and counselling has been offered to staff who were working during the robbery.
3 News