Wrights Hill Fortress and Recreational Reserve

This site was designed to host three 9.2 inch (23.3 cm) guns of a long range coastal battery intended to protect Wellington City at the time of World War II. In a major undertaking an underground complex was built in secrecy during the war, being completed as it came to an end.

The complex demonstrates how the pressures of war led to remarkable achievements in a short time. An active Restoration Society now works to preserve the complex and host open days when the 600 metres of tunnels are open to the public between 10am and 4pm. (Waitangi Day (6 February), Anzac Day (25 April), Queens Birthday (early June), Labour Day (late October) and December 28th.) There is a moderate cash admission fee which includes a guide pamphlet.

It is recommended visitors wear stout shoes and bring a torch. You can drive nearly to the top from where it is a short walk. There are grand views and you could picnic up here. The fortress sits high above Wellington in Wrights Hill Recreational Reserve which has a number of walking and mountain biking tracks.