Imagine, if you will, a hidden world beneath our feet here at Wright’s Hill Fortress. It is a network of tunnels and gun emplacements. This fortress whispers tales of a nation preparing for war. Wright’s Hill Fortress stands as a testament to New Zealand’s resolve during World War II.
Let’s step back to the 1940s. The threat of invasion loomed large. Wright’s Hill Fortress was constructed as a coastal battery. Its purpose was to protect Wellington from potential enemy attacks. The location was carefully selected as early as 1935. Construction began in earnest in 1942.
The Wright’s Hill Fortress is largely underground. A labyrinth of tunnels connects war shelters, gun emplacements, and magazines. Plotting rooms and an engine room lie hidden beneath the surface, some over 50 feet deep. These tunnels stretch for 620 meters. Imagine the activity within these walls during the war.
Originally designed for three 9.2-inch guns, only two were ever installed at Wright’s Hill Fortress. These guns never saw action. They were test-fired after the war. The guns successfully fired into Cook Strait. It showed their capability.
Ironically, in 1960, these massive guns were sold to Japan as scrap metal. This was the very nation Wright’s Hill Fortress was built to defend against. Each gun weighed 135 tons. They could fire a 172 kg shell to a range of 30 km.
The construction of Wright’s Hill Fortress was a massive undertaking. Downer & Co Ltd started the tunneling in 1942. A manpower shortage in 1943 brought in the Department of Public Works. They worked tirelessly to complete the project. The final cost was more than double the original estimate.
After the war, Wright’s Hill Fortress became a training facility. In 1953, the Army placed it on “long term care”. The Coastal Artillery branch was effectively disbanded in 1957.
The Karori Lions Club began restoring Wright’s Hill Fortress in 1988. They opened it to the public for the first time on ANZAC Day 1989. The Wrights Hill Fortress Restoration Society formed in 1992. They continue to preserve and restore the fortress. Volunteers have spent thousands of hours restoring the site.
Today, Wright’s Hill Fortress is a Category I Historic Place. It is open to the public on specific days. These days include Waitangi Day, ANZAC Day, the King’s Birthday, and Labour Day. You can explore the tunnels, gun emplacements, and underground rooms.
The Fellowship of the Ring sound designers even used the tunnels. They recorded echo effects for the Mines of Moria sequence. The New Zealand horror film The Devil’s Rock was also filmed here. It used the tunnels as a World War II German bunker.
Standing here at Wright’s Hill Fortress, we are connected to a pivotal moment in history. The echoes of the past resonate through these tunnels. They remind us of the dedication and sacrifice of those who stood ready to defend our nation. Wright’s Hill Fortress stands as a reminder. We should strive to preserve the lessons of history.