Fort Taiaroa and the Disappearing Gun

From the Royal Albatross Centre take a tour of historic Fort Tairoa. The principal attraction is a restored Armstrong Disappearing Gun which was tested in its present location in June 1889. There are models illustrating the working of the gun. Similar defensive weapons were placed on headlands throughout New Zealand and Australia. This is the only one that is said to be still in working condition, in it's original gun pit, which does not explain how the one at North Head in Devonport is fired occasionally. The fortification has a long history, linked with that of Fort Takapuna and includes underground tunnels for munitions storage.
It was the site of an early use of Radar in the 1940s. The Lighthouse has been here since the 1860s.

DUNEDIN AND OTAGO PENINSULA SMALL GROUP TOUR

Image Credit: Benchill via Wikimedia

Image Credit: Taiaroa Head Lighthouse David Baldock Photographer