Boom. The sound of a cannon echoes across Wellington Harbour. This is Point Jerningham. Right here you stand at the only permanent saluting battery in New Zealand.
Point Jerningham isn’t just a point on a map. It’s a place steeped in history. It’s where the New Zealand Army regularly fires gun salutes. These salutes are a tradition going back centuries. They show respect for visiting dignitaries. They even use four 25-pounder guns. These are stored right here at Point Jerningham.
Imagine an approaching warship centuries ago. It fires its cannons. This signals peace. Its guns are empty. It means no attack is coming. Today’s salutes use blank cartridges. The tradition continues at Point Jerningham. It’s a unique spectacle in New Zealand.
Feel the rumble beneath your feet. Wellington sits on a fault line. Earthquakes are common. The ground here has shifted over time. This shows the power of nature. The city itself is built on reclaimed land. This land was once part of the harbour. It was lifted by an earthquake.
Point Jerningham offers more than just history. It offers a view. The view from here is spectacular. You can see Wellington Harbour. The surrounding hills are beautiful. The city sprawls before you. You can see ships sail by.
So here you are at Point Jerningham. A place of history and stunning scenery. A place of powerful sounds. A place where tradition meets modern life. This is a place of both quiet reflection and booming cannon fire. This is Point Jerningham. Remember this special place.