Exploring New Zealand’s WWII Coastal Defences — Hidden Bunkers, Batteries & Forgotten Forts
🌊 A Hidden Legacy on New Zealand’s Coast
Beneath New Zealand’s dramatic coastlines lie relics of a turbulent past — WWII bunkers, gun batteries, and hidden tunnels. Built in haste during the early 1940s, these defences were designed to guard against invasion, protect key ports, and reassure a nervous nation.
Today, many of these sites remain — silent, weathered, and fascinating to explore. They are living reminders of New Zealand’s role in the Second World War, where thousands of Kiwis trained, watched, and waited for threats that never came.
At Honour Bound, we take guests inside this history, blending military heritage with New Zealand’s iconic scenery. Here are the top WWII coastal defence sites in New Zealand that every history enthusiast should visit.
🔭 1. Godley Head (Christchurch)
Perched above Lyttelton Harbour, Godley Head was one of New Zealand’s largest coastal defence batteries. Completed in 1939, it included heavy artillery, barracks, and observation posts. Soldiers here scanned the horizon for Japanese warships, ready to defend the gateway to Christchurch.
Today, visitors can explore the gun emplacements and military ruins while enjoying panoramic coastal views. A walking track links the historic sites with dramatic clifftop scenery — history meets nature at its best.
🏰 2. Fort Taiaroa (Otago Peninsula)
On the windswept tip of the Otago Peninsula, Fort Taiaroa is home to one of the world’s last surviving Armstrong Disappearing Guns — a marvel of 19th-century engineering, reactivated during WWII.
The site blends heritage with wildlife: rare seabirds soar above, while the fortifications below whisper stories of global conflict. Guided tours reveal underground tunnels and the mechanics of the disappearing gun, making Fort Taiaroa a must-see for military and engineering buffs alike.
🪖 3. Stony Batter (Waiheke Island)
Hidden beneath Waiheke Island’s rolling vineyards lies Stony Batter, an extraordinary network of underground tunnels and gun placements. Constructed in secrecy during WWII, the labyrinth was designed to defend Auckland from naval attack.
Visitors today can descend into the cool, echoing passageways, exploring a hidden fortress beneath one of New Zealand’s most scenic islands. Few sites capture the blend of wartime anxiety and Kiwi ingenuity like Stony Batter.
🏝 4. North Head (Devonport, Auckland)
North Head Historic Reserve in Devonport is one of Auckland’s most accessible WWII defence sites. Its bunkers, tunnels, and artillery positions overlook the Waitematā Harbour, protecting the entrance to New Zealand’s busiest port.
The tunnels are open to the public — a torch is recommended — making it a popular day trip for families and history fans. Combined with Devonport’s Victorian charm, North Head offers a perfect mix of heritage and sightseeing.
⚓ 5. Fort Jervois (Lyttelton Harbour)
Built on Ripapa Island in the 1880s and later repurposed during WWII, Fort Jervois stands as a reminder of New Zealand’s shifting defence priorities across generations. Its thick stone walls, gun pits, and barracks were reactivated as global conflict loomed once again.
Accessible by boat, Fort Jervois is less visited than other sites — but for those who make the journey, it’s a fascinating glimpse into New Zealand’s layered coastal defences.
📌 Why These Sites Matter
New Zealand’s WWII bunkers and forts were more than just concrete and steel. They represented determination, fear, and resilience. Thousands of New Zealanders — many barely out of school — manned these defences, spending long, cold nights on watch.
Though no enemy ships ever appeared, the bunkers and tunnels remain as powerful symbols of New Zealand’s contribution to the Allied war effort, and as poignant reminders of a world on edge.
🧭 How to Visit These Sites Today
Godley Head (Christchurch) – Walking tracks and ruins open daily.
Fort Taiaroa (Otago) – Guided tours available at the Royal Albatross Centre.
Stony Batter (Waiheke Island) – Open to visitors; guided tours recommended.
North Head (Auckland) – Public access via Devonport ferry; self-guided.
Fort Jervois (Ripapa Island) – Access limited; occasional heritage tours.
💡 Many of these sites are integrated into Honour Bound’s Military Heritage & Scenic Tours, combining historical storytelling with New Zealand’s stunning landscapes.
❓ FAQs
Q: Are New Zealand’s WWII bunkers open to the public?
Yes. Many sites such as North Head (Auckland), Godley Head (Christchurch), and Stony Batter (Waiheke) are open to visitors, with guided tours at selected locations.
Q: What is the most famous military fort in New Zealand?
Fort Taiaroa in Otago is the most famous, housing the world’s only restored Armstrong Disappearing Gun.
Q: Can I visit these forts as part of a tour?
Absolutely. Honour Bound offers guided multi-day tours that include visits to key WWII sites alongside other military and scenic highlights across New Zealand.
🚌 Explore New Zealand’s Wartime Heritage with Honour Bound
If you’ve ever wanted to step inside a wartime tunnel, stand by a coastal gun, or hear the stories of New Zealand’s military past, there’s no better way than with Honour Bound Tours.
Our 20-day Military Heritage & Scenic Tour blends history with breathtaking scenery, from WWII bunkers to ANZAC battlefields and New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes.
👉 Join us in walking through history. Discover more at HonourBound.co.nz.