North Head is one of the oldest of the approximately 50 volcanic cones in the Auckland region.
The North Head Historical Reserve is considered to be the most significant historical coastal defense site in New Zealand.
Its views over the Hauraki Gulf and inner harbour have made it an important lookout and defense site for centuries, from the first Maori inhabitants till the later European settlers.
North Head is a fantastic place for a family outing offering unsurpassed views over the city and Rangitoto island, great for picnics.
Probably more known for its military tunnel complex, gun emplacements and fortification remains dating from 1888, built to protect Auckland from a feared Russian invasion with additions made during WW1 and WW2. These tunnels can be explored, unfortunately most of the tunnel system was closed for maintenance upon our visit, but there were still other tunnels and ruins to explore. One of the remaining gun installments is this disappearing gun, this is one of only a few left in the world, The barrel alone weighs over 13 tons, it was designed to retract underground using the forces generated by the recoil of the gun when it was fired. Once hidden in the pit the gun could be reloaded under cover before being returned to the surface for the next shot.
This stone building was built in 1885 and served as the kitchen, where this long, grey wooden building was first used as a barracks and then until 1914 as a prison for up to 40 prisoners who provided the labour to build the fortifications here on North Head.
North Head featuring a self-guided walk that covers approximately 2kms to explore the remains of the fortifications and tunnels.
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