FOR IMMEDIATE USE – MAY/JUNE 2024.
KING’S BIRTHDAY– OPEN DAY
MONDAY 3RD JUNE, 10AM- 4PM
Wellington’s historic Wrights Hill Fortress in Karori will be opening for public inspection again on King’s Birthday, Monday 3rd June. The World War Two coastal battery first opened to the public in 1989 and will be accessible between 10am and 4pm.
On King’s Birthday people are invited to self-guide themselves through the tunnels and gun emplacements. The walk usually takes about one hour, so bring a torch with you for some fun!
Visitors will be able to explore the 620 metres of underground tunnels with a free map and history pamphlet. They will see the engine room, shell stores, plotting rooms and the huge gun pit where Gun Number 1 used to stand, as well as a replica of the 10 metre-long gun barrel.
Also on show will be historic photos, and military living history displays from WW2 and the Vietnam period. A DVD of how a 9.2-inch gun operates will be showing as well. The World War Two Fortress is the only one of its type in New Zealand available to the public on five Open Days a year.
Wrights Hill Fortress was built from 1942 to protect Wellington from Japanese bombardment. In the early 1960’s, the guns were cut up for scrap and sold, ironically, to the Japanese.
Admission is CASH ONLY: $20 for a family of two adults and three children under 15, or $10 per adult and $5 per child. (Sorry no EFTPOS). Access is via Karori Road, Campbell Street, and Wrights Hill Road. All proceeds go to the continuing restoration of the Fortress. There is limited car parking at the summit of the Hill. Please park sensibly. Use walking tracks.
Visitors can also enjoy picnic sites and panoramic views from the top of the hill. There will be a BBQ sausage sizzle and soft drinks on sale. Make it a fun day for the family. Stout footwear advised!