1 / 2Wrights Hill Fortress
📍 Karori, Wellington
Wrights Hill Fortress preserves 620m of WWII tunnels, three coastal gun emplacements, a radio room, engine room, and shell stores. Volunteer guides lead tours and can demonstrate blank-firing on open days.
The Wrights Hill Fortress, built during World War Two, the Fortress located in Karori, Wellington consists of an underground network of tunnels, operation rooms and three gun emplacements. Society members take the public on a one hour long self guided tour on Open Days. You can also wander around yourself with the help of a free history pamphlet and map. Typically, Wright’s Hill Fortress is open for public viewing four times per year. Waitangi Day, February 6 ANZAC Day, April 25 Kings Birthday, June (first Monday) Labour Day, October (third Monday) On these open days, the fortress hours are 10am – 4pm. CASH ONLY Adults: $10, children under 15: $5, Family pass: $20 (2 adults and 3 children). CASH ONLY Also can do blank firing $2 per shot
🏆 Family Action Verdict
History-curious kids and teens find the tunnel network genuinely captivating — the volunteer guides bring real passion and operational detail that turns a walk underground into something memorable. The summit views reward the trip even before you descend. Cash or bank transfer accepted on entry.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →310 Google reviews
Eranga Athukorala
a year ago
“The Wrights Hill Fortress, built during World War Two, the Fortress located in Karori, Wellington consists of an underground network of tunnels, operation rooms and three gun emplacements. Society members take the public on a one hour long self guided tour on Open Days. You can also wander around yourself with the help of a free history pamphlet and map. Typically, Wright’s Hill Fortress is open for public viewing four times per year. Waitangi Day, February 6 ANZAC Day, April 25 Kings Birthday, June (first Monday) Labour Day, October (third Monday) On these open days, the fortress hours are 10am – 4pm. CASH ONLY Adults: $10, children under 15: $5, Family pass: $20 (2 adults and 3 children). CASH ONLY Also can do blank firing $2 per shot”
Oliver Taylor
5 months ago
“Glad I finally got to come here. Came in April during Easter (or was it Waitangi?), but they charged $10 cash with no digital option, which led me (and many others) to turn back around. This time, I came armed with my $10 cash & they also accepted bank transfer! So good! Really cool getting to see the fortress in all its quirks and glory. They had set up rooms with guns and ammunition, radio room, engine room, and some good chats. Loved the realistic cosplay / real army guys. Appreciated all the paths we were able to go down. Hopefully, more paths will be open next time! I was disappointed by the lack of sausage sizzle, but understood due to weather. I will return in the near future when it is open again.”
John Orth
a month ago
“It's a shame that this is only open a few times a year! Very cool to see the amount of effort that went into protecting Wellington. My hat's off to the volunteer organization that has been doing the renovations and managing the public interface with this historical site - you can tell they really are invested and passionate about the project and are glad to share all that they know.”
E H
a month ago
“Open 4 times a year in public holidays. Cool to explore the underground part and see what was.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Built to defend Wellington harbour during World War Two, Wrights Hill Fortress features 620 metres of interconnected underground tunnels, three gun emplacements, a radio room, engine room, and storage chambers. Volunteer society members conduct guided tours and share detailed operational history. A printed map allows self-guided exploration. The summit is wheelchair-accessible and delivers panoramic views over Karori and the harbour. Opens four times per year on public holidays.
