Wrights Hill Fortress

06/10/2023

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE USE - OCTOBER 2023.

LABOUR DAY – OPEN DAY- Monday 23rd October, 10AM- 4PM

Wellington’s historic Wrights Hill Fortress in Karori will be opened for public inspection again on LABOUR DAY, Monday 23rd October, the first official day of Wellington Heritage week The World War Two coastal battery will be accessible between 10am and 4pm.

On LABOUR Day people are invited to self-guide themselves through the tunnels and gun emplacements. The walk usually takes about one hour and there will also be a number of guided tours during the day. Bring a torch with you for some fun!

Visitors will be able to explore the 620 metres of underground tunnels with a free map and history pamphlet. They will see the engine room, shell stores, plotting rooms and the huge gun pit where Gun Number 1 used to stand, as well as a replica of the 10 metre-long gun barrel.

On show will be historic photos and historic items from the time period. A DVD of how a 9.2-inch gun operates will be showing as well.

Wrights Hill Fortress was built from 1942 to protect Wellington from Japanese bombardment. In the early 1960’s, the guns were cut up for scrap and sold, ironically, to the Japanese.

Admission is $20 for a family of two adults and three children under 15, or $10 per adult and $5 per child. (Sorry no EFTPOS). Access is via Karori Road, Campbell Street, and Wrights Hill Road. All proceeds go to the continuing restoration of the Fortress. There is limited car parking at the summit of the Hill. Try walking from the base of the hill.

On sale will be a limited number of copies of a history book “ Wrights Hill” by historian Peter Cooke. Cost = $40.00, CASH ONLY . There will be a BBQ sausage sizzle and soft drinks on sale. Make it a fun day for the family. Please wear stout footwear.

See our website for more details and other open days.

15/05/2023

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE USE – MAY/JUNE 2023.
KING’S BIRTHDAY– OPEN DAY
MONDAY 5th JUNE, 10AM- 4PM

Wellington’s historic Wrights Hill Fortress in Karori will be reopening for public inspection again on King’s Birthday, Monday 5th June. The World War Two coastal battery first opened to the public in 1989, and will be accessible between 10am and 4pm.

On King’s Birthday people are invited to self-guide themselves through the tunnels and gun emplacements. The walk usually takes about one hour, so bring a torch with you for some fun!

Visitors will be able to explore the 620 metres of underground tunnels with a free map and history pamphlet. They will see the engine room, shell stores, plotting rooms and the huge gun pit where Gun Number 1 used to stand, as well as a replica of the 10 metre-long gun barrel.

Also on show will be historic photos, and military living history displays from WW2 and the Vietnam period. A DVD of how a 9.2-inch gun operates will be showing as well. The World War Two Fortress is the only one of its type in New Zealand available to the public on five Open Days a year.

Wrights Hill Fortress was built from 1942 to protect Wellington from Japanese bombardment. In the early 1960’s, the guns were cut up for scrap and sold, ironically, to the Japanese.

Admission is $20 for a family of two adults and three children under 15, or $10 per adult and $5 per child. (Sorry no EFTPOS). Access is via Karori Road, Campbell Street, and Wrights Hill Road. All proceeds go to the continuing restoration of the Fortress. There is limited car parking at the summit of the Hill. Please park sensibly. Use walking tracks.

Visitors can also enjoy picnic sites and panoramic views from the top of the hill. There will be a BBQ sausage sizzle and soft drinks on sale. Make it a fun day for the family. Stout footwear advised! Remember= CASH ONLY

wrightshillfortress.org.nz

Wrights Hill Fortress

05/04/2023

NEWS RELEASE - APRIL 2023 - ANZAC DAY OPEN DAY

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
ANZAC DAY OPEN DAY- TUESDAY 25 TH APRIL 10AM - 4PM.

Wellington’s historic Wrights Hill Fortress in Karori will be open for
public inspection again on ANZAC Day, Tuesday April 25th. The
World War Two coastal battery first opened to the public in 1989,
and will be accessible between 10am and 4pm.

On ANZAC Day people are invited to self-guide themselves through the tunnels and gun emplacements. The walk usually takes about one hour and there may also be a number of guided tours during the day. Bring a torch with you for some fun!

Visitors will be able to explore the 620 metres of underground
tunnels with a free map and history pamphlet. They will see the
engine room, shell stores, plotting rooms and the huge gun pit
where Gun Number 1 used to stand, as well as a replica of the 10
metre-long gun barrel and a DVD of how a 9.2-inch gun operates will be showing as well.

Wrights Hill Fortress was built from 1942 to protect Wellington from Japanese bombardment. In the early 1960’s, the guns were cut up for scrap and sold, ironically, to the Japanese.

Admission is $20 for a family of two adults and three children under
15, or $10 per adult and $5 per child. (CASH ONLY). Access is via
Karori Road, Campbell Street, and Wrights Hill Road. All proceeds go to the continuing restoration of the Fortress. There is limited car
parking at the summit of the Hill.

Visitors to the Fortress in Wrights Hill Reserve can also enjoy bush
walks, picnic sites and panoramic views from the top of the hill.
There will also be a BBQ sausage sizzle and soft drinks on sale -
strong footwear please and no jandals.

26/01/2023

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE USE … Jan/Feb 2023

WAITANGI DAY OPEN DAY-MONDAY, 6 th February 10AM - 4PM.

Wellington’s historic Wrights Hill Fortress in Karori will be open for
public inspection again on Waitangi Day, MONDAY, February 6th.
The World War Two coastal battery first opened to the public in
1989, and will be accessible between 10am and 4pm.

On Waitangi Day people are invited to self-guide themselves
through the tunnels and gun emplacements. The walk usually takes
about one hour and there may also be a number of guided tours
during the day. Bring a torch with you for some fun!

Visitors will be able to explore the 620 metres of underground
tunnels with a free map and history pamphlet. They will see shell
stores, plotting rooms and the huge gun pit where Gun Number 1
used to stand, as well as a replica of the 10 metre-long gun barrel.

Also on show will be historic photos, and a DVD of how a 9.2-inch gun operates will be showing as well. The World War Two Fortress is the only one of its type in New Zealand available to the public on five Open Days a year.

Wrights Hill Fortress was built from 1942 to protect Wellington from Japanese bombardment. In the early 1960’s, the guns were cut up for scrap and sold, ironically, to the Japanese.

Admission is $20 for a family of two adults and three children under
12, or $10 per adult and $5 per child. (CASH ONLY please-NO
EFTPOS).

Access is via Karori Road, Campbell Street, and Wrights
Hill Road. All proceeds go to the continuing restoration of the
Fortress.

There is limited car parking at the summit of the Hill.
Visitors to the Fortress in Wrights Hill Reserve can also enjoy bush
walks, picnic sites and panoramic views from the top of the hill.
There will also be a BBQ sausage sizzle and soft drinks on sale.

Strong footwear please and no jandals!

22/11/2022

Due to staffing and logistical problems, mainly as a result of COVID, Wellington’s Wrights Hill Fortress will not be opening up this year on December 28th.. normally an extra open day after Christmas, to cater for holiday guests..

The Fortress will re- open next year on Waitangi Day, Monday February 6th

The Society wishes everyone a happy and peaceful festive season and we will see you again in 2023.

09/10/2022

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE USE - OCTOBER 2022.
LABOUR DAY – OPEN DAY- Monday 24th October,

Wellington’s historic Wrights Hill Fortress in Karori will be reopened
for public inspection again on Labour Day, Monday 24th October. The World War Two coastal battery will be accessible between 10am and 4pm.

On Labour Day people are invited to self-guide themselves through
the tunnels and gun emplacements. The walk usually takes about
one hour and there will also be a number of guided tours during the day. Bring a torch with you for some fun!

Visitors will be able to explore the 620 meters of underground
tunnels with a free map and history pamphlet. They will see the
engine room, shell stores, plotting rooms and the huge gun pit
where Gun Number 1 used to stand, as well as a replica of the 10
meter-long gun barrel.

On show will be historic photos, displays and a DVD
of how a 9.2-inch gun operates. Wrights Hill Fortress was built from 1942 to protect Wellington from Japanese bombardment. In the early 1960’s, the guns were cut up for scrap and sold, ironically, to the Japanese.

Admission is $20 for a family of two adults and three children under
15, or $10 per adult and $5 per child. (Sorry no EFTPOS). Access is
via Karori Road, Campbell Street, and Wrights Hill Road. All
proceeds go to the continuing restoration of the Fortress. There is
limited car parking at the summit of the Hill.

On sale will be a limited number of copies of a newly released
history book “ Wrights Hill” by historian Peter Cooke. Cost = $40.00,
CASH ONLY . There will be a BBQ sausage sizzle and soft drinks on
sale. Make it a fun day for the family. Please wear stout footwear.

www wrightshillfortress.org.nz

21/05/2022

NEWS RELEASE - QUEENS BIRTHDAY OPENI DAY

FOR IMMEDIATE USE – MAY/JUNE 2022.
QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY– OPEN DAY
MONDAY 6th JUNE, 10AM- 4PM

Wellington’s historic Wrights Hill Fortress in Karori will be reopening for public inspection again on Queens Birthday, Monday 6th June.

The World War Two coastal battery first opened to the public in
1989, and will be accessible between 10am and 4pm.
COVID 19 has caused cancellations over the past two years. Please
wear a mask inside, as directed by the Government under level
ORANGE.

On Queen’s Birthday people are invited to self-guide themselves
through the tunnels and gun emplacements. The walk usually takes
about one hour, so bring a torch with you for some fun!

Visitors will be able to explore the 620 metres of underground
tunnels with a free map and history pamphlet. They will see the
engine room, shell stores, plotting rooms and the huge gun pit
where Gun Number 1 used to stand, as well as a replica of the 10
metre-long gun barrel.

Also on show will be historic photos, and an assortment of military
history. A DVD of how a 9.2-inch gun operates will be showing as
well. The World War Two Fortress is the only one of its type in New
Zealand available to the public on five Open Days a year.

Wrights Hill Fortress was built from 1942 to protect Wellington from Japanese bombardment. In the early 1960’s, the guns were cut up for scrap and sold, ironically, to the Japanese.

Admission is $20 for a family of two adults and three children under
15, or $10 per adult and $5 per child. (Sorry no EFTPOS). Access is
via Karori Road, Campbell Street, and Wrights Hill Road. All
proceeds go to the continuing restoration of the Fortress. There is
limited car parking at the summit of the Hill. Please park sensibly and use the walking tracks.

Visitors can also enjoy picnic sites and panoramic views from the top of the hill. There will be a BBQ sausage sizzle and soft drinks on sale.

Make it a fun day for the family. Stout footwear advised!

Remember= CASH ONLY.

19/04/2022

SUBJECT: ANZAC Day 2022 Open Day – Cancelled

Wellington’s historic Wrights Hill Fortress is cancelling this year’s Open Day on ANZAC Day, April 25th because of the current COVID restrictions.

Society Chairman Mike Lee says it’s regrettable, but the group wants to make sure everyone is kept safe and well.

The Society’s next Open days are on Queens Birthday in June and Labour day in October. Hours are 10am to 4pm. Admission fees are $20 for a family, $10 for an adult, and $5 for a child under 15. Bookings are not necessary and self-
guided tours take about one hour. Cash only please.

Mr Lee says unfortunately this is the seventh cancellation, over two years, caused by COVID 19 restrictions.

Thanks for your continued support.

Please keep safe and well.

WRIGHTS HILL FORTRESS RESTORATION SOCIETY

27/01/2022

Hi everyone

Our Waitangi Day Open Day has been cancelled this year due to the current Covid restrictions.

We intend for open days to return to normal once Covid restrictions return to "Green"

Please keep following our website or page to stay updated for future open days.

11/10/2021

NEWS RELEASE - OCTOBER 2021 - LABOUR DAY OPEN DAY

FOR IMMEDIATE USE – OCTOBER 2021

The Wright’s Hill Fortress Restoration Society regrets to inform everyone that this year’s Labour Day Open Day scheduled for October 25th is cancelled due to the current Level 2 restrictions in place.

If Wellington returns to level 1, another open day is scheduled for December 28th.

05/12/2020

The Wrights Hill Fortress open day on December 28th has been cancelled this year, 2020:

However we will be opening up again, next year, on Waitangi Day, Saturday February 6th 2021.

We’d love to see you there on that day between 10am and 4pm.

Thanks for your ongoing support.

The Wrights Hill Fortress Restoration Society Inc.

10/05/2020

The Wrights Hill Fortress Restoration Society regrets that it is cancelling all future Open days in 2020.

This is in view of the COVID 19 rules and restrictions on social distancing and limits on numbers of people at large events.

This will affect Queens Birthday June 1st, Labour Day October 26th and December 28th.

Our next major Open day will be ANZAC Day 2021.

We may be able to accept small groups of up to ten people for private tours from October.

Please make all enquiries through our website booking form.

Thanks for your continued support.

Please keep safe and well.

WRIGHTS HILL FORTRESS RESTORATION SOCIETY .