55 Long Beach Road, Pukemutu, Southland

Waitata Point

Southland Walks

Camouflaged for battle, this coastal defence site is a one-off, and well worth a visit.

Waitata Point is unusual in that despite it's proximity to lots of early Maori-European action, it was not used as an official site for Coastal Defence until the second world war. But it's real point of difference is the unique tee-pee camouflage arrangement built upon the roofs of the two bunkers, to disguise them from the air.

Assets included:

  • two six inch guns along with war shelters
  • magazines
  • command posts
  • stores
  • regimental posts
  • battery observation posts
  • engine rooms
  • searchlight emplacements water sewage systems
  • hutted accommodation for troops

Whangarei District Libraries Heritage Collections have a full set of plans and drawings for the site, including the guns.

There is no formed track out here, so access is via Oneroa-Long Beach, along the beach and then by rock hopping. It isn't far but it is important to take care especially not to be cut off by the rising tide. Not all of the fortifications are visible anymore but the concrete forts are, in their full glory complete with brightly coloured post-millenium street art. If things haven't changed since NZPlaces visited, then there is should be healthy meal of rock oysters available on the rocks below.

As always, NZPlaces would appreciate any images and impressions of this special place.

Image Credit: MBH Investigations via Google Maps and Whangarei District Libraries Heritage Collections

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