NEWS RELEASE :
FOR IMMEDIATE USE … April 2024
ANZAC DAY – OPEN DAY- Thursday 25th April: 10AM – 4PM.
Wellington’s historic Wrights Hill Fortress in Karori is open for public inspection again on ANZAC day, THURSDAY, April 25th. The World War Two coastal battery first opened to the public in 1989 and will be accessible between 10am – 4pm.
On ANZAC Day people are invited to self-guide themselves through the tunnels and gun emplacements. The walk usually takes about one hour. 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 a DVD of how a 9.2-inch gun operates will be showing. The World War Two Fortress is the only one of its type in New Zealand available to the public on four 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 $20 for a family of two adults and three children under 15, or $10 per adult and $5 per child. (Sorry no EFTPOS -CASH ONLY) 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 Wrights Hill. Please Park sensibly and use walking tracks.
Visitors to the Fortress in Wrights Hill Reserve 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. For safety reasons no jandals please.