Wrights Hill Fortress

Wrights Hill Fortress is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Wellington, New Zealand.

The fortress is located in the Karori suburb of Wellington and was built during World War II as a long-range coastal battery to protect Wellington city and environs from possible enemy attack and invasion from the Pacific. The site was selected as early as 1935, but it wasn't until 1942-1944 that the fortress was built. It is predominantly underground, with numerous tunnels linking the war shelters, gun emplacements, magazines, plotting rooms, and engine room, which are, at some points, over 50 feet underground.

The fortress is mostly underground and has open days several times a year when the public can explore its numerous tunnels, command centers, and gun emplacements. Society members take the public on a one-hour-long guided tour on Open Days. You can also wander around yourself with the help of a free history pamphlet and map. The experience is fascinating for people of all ages and gives adults and children alike an insight into the measures taken to protect New Zealand during World War Two.

Significant heritage features include the World War II gun emplacements and tunnels, which are looked after by the Wrights Hill Fortress Restoration Society. They have a number of public open days throughout the year. Each of the 9.2 inch guns could fire a 172-kilogram, 1-meter-long shell up to 30 kilometers. They were only fired once, as a test after the war had ended. The test proved most satisfactory, although windows at the fort were broken by the blast. The hill is covered in regenerating native bush that will become increasingly important as a habitat for birds as they move out of the Zealandia. The fortress offers 360-degree views of Wellington and the surrounding area, as well as walking tracks and picnic areas.

In conclusion, Wrights Hill Fortress is a unique and fascinating destination that offers visitors a glimpse into New Zealand's history and the measures taken to protect the country during World War II. The fortress is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Wellington, New Zealand, and offers stunning views of the surrounding area, walking tracks, and picnic areas. The fortress has been restored by a preservation society and officially named a historic landmark. On certain holidays, the 2,000 some feet of tunnels are opened to visitors. The site is also often used as a set for television and film productions. Famously, the tunnels beneath the base were used as an audio palette for the Mines of Moria in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy.