Wrights Hill Fortress
Explore a historic WWII underground fortress with tunnels and gun emplacements, offering panoramic Wellington views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Only open days for public
Wrights Hill Fortress
Best Time
Only open days for public
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a historic WWII underground fortress with tunnels and gun emplacements, offering panoramic Wellington views.
"A cool outing with a lot of history and great views, just remember to bring cash!"
🎯 Bring Cash for Entry
Entry is CASH ONLY. Adults $10, kids $5, family $20. Blank firing shots $2 each.
🎧 Earplugs Recommended
The tunnels can get very loud, especially on busy open days. Earplugs are a good idea!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
WWII Tunnels & Operation Rooms
Underground network
Explore the historic underground network of tunnels and operation rooms from World War Two.
Gun Emplacements
Various points
Discover the three imposing gun emplacements offering insights into wartime defenses.
Panoramic Wellington Views
Fortress exterior
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Wellington from the fortress grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit: Open Days & Cash Only
Tunnel Experience: Bring Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wrights Hill Fortress
🎯 Bring Cash for Entry
Entry is CASH ONLY. Adults $10, kids $5, family $20. Blank firing shots $2 each.
🎧 Earplugs Recommended
The tunnels can get very loud, especially on busy open days. Earplugs are a good idea!
PSA for those who say "I always forget". Wright's Hill Fortress Tunnels are open today. 10am -4pm
Wright's Hill - some questions about practicalities.
🔦 Headtorch for Exploration
While improved, a headtorch can help illuminate darker areas within the tunnels.
🚶♀️ Easy Access & Walking
The site is good for walking, and paths are generally easy for prams and wheelchairs.
Wrights Hill Fortress Today
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Cash for Entry
Entry is CASH ONLY. Adults $10, kids $5, family $20. Blank firing shots $2 each.
🎧 Earplugs Recommended
The tunnels can get very loud, especially on busy open days. Earplugs are a good idea!
🔦 Headtorch for Exploration
While improved, a headtorch can help illuminate darker areas within the tunnels.
🚶♀️ Easy Access & Walking
The site is good for walking, and paths are generally easy for prams and wheelchairs.
🌧️ Stay Dry on Rainy Days
The underground nature means you can stay dry even on wet Wellington days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Wrights Hill Fortress for its unique historical significance and the opportunity to explore WWII tunnels and gun emplacements. The panoramic views of Wellington are a major draw, and the site is generally accessible. However, the limited open days, cash-only policy, and lack of on-site facilities are common points of consideration for potential visitors.
"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"
Eranga Athukorala
"Beautiful view! However this site has no toilet nearby."
Shirley Hodge
"Was my first time visiting the Fortress & Bunkers, it was an awesome experience. Although it is closed to public however it was open for Kings Birthday. It costs $10 per adult or $20 for family pass (2 adults & 2 children)"
Serena Kira
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The fortress is located in Karori, Wellington. Access involves a long, windy drive up the hill. Public transport options are limited, so driving is often the most convenient way to reach the site on open days.
Parking is available at the fortress, but it can get busy on open days. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.
Generally, the fortress is closed to the public outside of its designated open days. These are typically on specific public holidays.
The drive is described as long and windy, so take your time and drive cautiously, especially if you're not used to hilly terrain.
Public transport options to Wrights Hill Fortress are not widely advertised or frequent, making it challenging. Driving is the most common method of access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Wrights Hill Fortress is typically open to the public on four specific days per year: Waitangi Day (February 6), ANZAC Day (April 25), King's Birthday (first Monday in June), and Labour Day (third Monday in October). Hours are usually 10 am to 4 pm on these days.
Entry fees are typically $10 for adults, $5 for children under 15, and $20 for a family pass (2 adults and 3 children).
Tickets are usually purchased on arrival on open days. It's advisable to check the official society website or local listings for any changes to ticketing procedures.
Yes, Wrights Hill Fortress is strictly cash only for entry fees and any additional activities like blank firing. Make sure to bring enough cash with you.
A family pass is available, offering a discount for families. There are no other widely advertised discounts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the underground network of tunnels, operation rooms, and three gun emplacements. A free history pamphlet and map are available to guide your self-guided tour.
Society members often lead self-guided tours on open days, providing insights into the fortress's history. You can also explore independently with the provided map and pamphlet.
Yes, children can enjoy exploring the tunnels and gun emplacements. The site is generally safe for supervised children.
The terrain involves walking around the exterior and through underground tunnels. Paths are generally easy, and the site is considered accessible for prams and wheelchairs.
Unfortunately, there are no nearby toilet facilities at Wrights Hill Fortress. Visitors should plan accordingly before their visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed within Wrights Hill Fortress. It's a great spot to capture historical architecture and panoramic views.
The gun emplacements, the entrance to the tunnels, and the exterior viewpoints offering Wellington cityscapes are prime photography locations.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's best to be considerate of other visitors, especially in the narrow tunnels. Check for any specific rules on the day of your visit.
The exterior offers natural light, while the tunnels have improved artificial lighting. A headtorch can be useful for adding dramatic effect or illuminating details.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical sites and public areas. It's advisable to check local aviation regulations and fortress rules before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring cash for entry and consider earplugs for the tunnels, which can be noisy. The panoramic views of Wellington are also a great bonus for the whole family. Pack snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on-site, and ensure everyone uses the restroom before heading up the windy road.
💰 Budget Travelers
Since it's a self-guided tour with a free pamphlet, you save on tour guide costs. The main expenses will be transportation to the site and any optional activities like blank firing. Bringing your own snacks and water will also help keep costs down.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into WWII History
Today, the fortress is maintained by a dedicated society that works to preserve its integrity and share its history with the public. The open days are a vital opportunity for people to step back in time and understand the strategic importance of this location. The self-guided tours, aided by pamphlets and maps, allow visitors to explore at their own pace and absorb the atmosphere of this unique historical structure.
Navigating the Tunnels and Terrain
Visitors should be prepared for walking, both within the confined spaces of the tunnels and across the exterior grounds. The paths are generally considered easy and accessible, even for those with prams or wheelchairs, offering a relatively smooth experience. However, the drive up to the fortress is described as long and windy, so caution is advised. Importantly, there are no toilet facilities on-site, so visitors should plan accordingly before their arrival.
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