Point Gordon

The salty air carries the scent of the sea as we stand here gazing at Point Gordon. This unassuming point of land holds a long and storied history, intrinsically linked to the defense of Wellington Harbour. From the 1880s, when fears of Russian invasion gripped the nation, Point Gordon became a cornerstone of Wellington’s coastal defenses. This continued right through to World War II. In fact, it’s the only site in all of Wellington boasting batteries from both eras. The most prominent feature of Point Gordon is Fort Ballance. Initially built from timber, mortar, and corrugated iron, it housed powerful RML guns and disappearing guns, strategically positioned to defend the harbor entrance. Over time, the fort underwent transformations. Its wooden structure was replaced by sturdy concrete. The fort even played a role in a planned minefield defense. The mines, designed to be detonated from the shore, would have been a formidable obstacle for any hostile ships. While Fort Ballance is well-known, Point Gordon holds another hidden gem: Fort Gordon. This emplacement, with its unique open-rear design, housed a powerful 8-inch disappearing gun, adding another layer of protection to the harbor defenses.