Deep beneath our feet lies a hidden world. Wrights Hill Fortress stands as a testament to a time of fear and resilience.
Wrights Hill Recreation Reserve offers more than just impressive views. It holds a secret, a network of tunnels and gun emplacements built during World War II. Imagine a potential enemy attack from the Pacific. This fortress was Wellington’s answer, a shield against the unknown.
Construction began in 1942. It was a massive undertaking. Workers toiled to carve out the underground complex. There were tunnels linking gun pits, magazines, and plotting rooms. At points, these tunnels plunged over 50 feet underground.
The original plan included three 9.2-inch guns. Ultimately, only two were installed. But these weren’t ordinary guns. Each weighed 135 tons. They could fire a 172 kg shell as far as 30 km. Imagine the earth shaking as these behemoths roared to life. However, they never fired in combat.
Interestingly, the fortress saw action only after the war. In 1946 and 1947, the guns were test-fired into Cook Strait. The results were considered a success. Sadly, the test firing broke nineteen windows. The army replaced broken windows with stronger glass to withstand the test firings.
In a twist of fate, the guns were sold for scrap metal in 1960. The buyer was Japan, the very nation Wrights Hill Fortress was built to defend against.
The fortress was manned by the 165 Battery of the 10th Coast Regiment. The theoretical number needed to fully operate the fortress was 195. The battery never reached more than 20 personnel.
Today, the Wrights Hill Fortress Restoration Society preserves this historic site. They open it to the public several times a year. Waitangi Day, ANZAC Day, the King’s birthday, and Labour Day are all open days. Explore the tunnels. See the gun emplacements. Step back in time.
Did you know that the tunnels were used for sound effects in The Lord of the Rings? The sound designers recorded echo effects for the Mines of Moria sequence here. Also, the New Zealand horror film The Devil’s Rock was filmed here.
Wrights Hill Fortress is a Category I Historic Place. It is a significant example of coastal defense. It reminds us of a time when the threat of war loomed large. The fortress offers a glimpse into the past. It allows us to appreciate the ingenuity and determination of those who built it. Wrights Hill Recreation Reserve is not just a park. It’s a portal to another era.