FOR IMMEDIATE USE – OCTOBER 2022
LABOUR DAY – OPEN DAY- Monday 24th October, 10AM- 4PM
Wellington’s historic Wrights Hill Fortress in Karori will be reopened
for public inspection again on LABOUR DAY, Monday 24th October,
The World War Two coastal battery will be accessible between 10am
and 4pm.
On LABOUR Day people are invited to self-guide themselves through
the tunnels and gun emplacements. The walk usually takes about
one hour and there will also be a number of guided tours during the
day. Bring a torch with you for some fun!
Visitors will be able to explore the 620 meters 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
meter-long gun barrel.
On show will be historic photos, and some military weapons. A DVD
of how a 9.2-inch gun operates will be showing as well. There will
also be blank firing under strict supervision outside for a small
charge.
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). 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.
On sale will be a limited number of copies of a newly released
history book “ Wrights Hill” by historian Peter Cooke. Cost = $40.00,
CASH ONLY . There will be a BBQ sausage sizzle and soft drinks on
sale.
Make it a fun day for the family. Please wear stout footwear.