Built in the early 1940’s, the Wrights Hill Fortress is an artillery embankment, a circular base for three large guns, constructed as a defense from the Japanese forces. Below ground was a labyrinth of narrow concrete tunnels, some as deep as 50 feet, mostly used for storage and diesel engines used for power.
The fortress was never used for defense and was closed in 1960. Today the fortress is a historic landmark and has been restored by a preservation society. The 2,000 feet of tunnels are opened to visitors. They were also used during filming of the Mines of Moria and Peter Jackson’s Fellowship of the Ring.
Wrights Hill Fortress, 50 Wrights Hill Rd, Karori, Wellington 6012, New Zealand, Phone: +64-44-76-85-93