Stony Batter Historic Reserve

The impressive remains of a Second World War 9.2 inch Counter Bombardment (CB) Heavy Coast Defence Battery survive here with three concrete gun emplacements and an extensive system of underground chambers connected by stairs and tunnels.

And a large hilltop field of volcanic boulders, shaped like they have come out of a design magazine, but actually, they are 'large fluid basalt' from to an 8 million year old volcano, and some further enhanced by a rare process mysteriously named 'karst solution'. Read GeoTrips to get a handle on that side of things. Fantastic to look at, thanks to the smooth alien shapes, some being split in places, and the flax plants that are housed in others.

It is a great place for kids to explore. A torch is necessary for the tunnels, which are temporarily closed but may re-open.
Stony Batter is a 10 to 25 minute walk to the tunnels from the carpark off Man O' War Bay Road. See the DOC website for further information including details of the walks to Hooks Bay and Opopo Bay.

While Stony Batter was to be part of Auckland defences during World War Two, it was not completed by war's end. It was Auckland's last coastal defence fortress. Unlike other Coastal Defences, based on British designs Public Works engineering solutions were adopted.

The entrance to the reserve is from ManOWar Road, then it is well signposted and maintained. FortStonyBatter has more information and pictures.

Image Credits: Showing a group of trampers from the Auckland Tramping Club at Stony Batter, Waiheke looking northwest towards Owhiti Bay and Garden Cove, with Rangitoto and Motutapu in the left background. 1933. Sir George Grey Collections Auckland Libraries, Schwede 66, Stagking via wikimedia