Stony Batter Historic Reserve – Auckland, New Zealand - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

AO Edited

Stony Batter Historic Reserve

Auckland, New Zealand

Large World War II gun emplacements and tunnel systems remain hidden near a remote end of Waiheke Island. 

View all photos
Stony Batter Historic Reserve Chris Gilson (Creative Commons)
Stony Batter Historic Reserve Chris Gilson (Creative Commons)
Stony Batter Historic Reserve
Stony Batter Historic Reserve
52
131
Top Places in Auckland
Memorial to the Mt. Erebus crash
Waikumete Cemetery
Auckland, New Zealand
Sky Tower
Auckland, New Zealand
Symonds Street Cemetery
Auckland, New Zealand
 See All

Hidden past vineyards and hilly fields, this location is often missed or completely disregarded. Not far from the popular town of Onetangi, a short drive down the remote gravelly roads of the Eastern part of the island takes visitors to the aptly named, Stony Batter Historic Reserve.

As visitors walk in from the small car-park, they are greeted by large, volcanic boulders on each side before reaching the open-field battery. The area is complete with panoramic views of the surrounding islands.

Due to its relatively remote location, the site is often quiet and has an open-air nature that allows for free exploration of the gun emplacements and tunnels. It’s an awesome place to view World War II ruins.

Surrounded by a scenic reserve, Stony Batter is a unique and special location for any history buff, nature lover, or avid explorer, and is not to be missed by anyone passing through Waiheke. 

Know Before You Go

The road there can be dusty and gravelly, so take care on the drive up.

Atlas Obscura Trips

Wild New Zealand: Exploring the North & South Islands

Stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich Māori culture.
Book Now
world war ii military ruins history & culture
Community Contributors
Yuva
Added by
Yuva
Published
January 26, 2021
Edit this listing
Make an Edit Add Photos
Nearby
Abandoned WWII Structures of Motutapu Island
13.45 miles
Browns Island
16.09 miles
Driving Creek Railway
18.41 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Auckland, New Zealand

Abandoned WWII Structures of Motutapu Island

A network of fortifications that never saw conflict.
Browns Island.
Auckland, New Zealand

Browns Island

This quiet island in the middle of a bustling city is actually a volcano dotted with Māori ruins.
Driving Creek Railway
Coromandel, New Zealand

Driving Creek Railway

This incredible narrow-gauge mountain railway was created by a ceramic artist.
Auckland, New Zealand

Maungauika (North Head)

Walk through abandoned anti-Russian military tunnels on this volcano at the head of Auckland Harbor.
Related Places
Old and new churches side by side.
Berlin, Germany

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

An imperial church bombed to ruins during WWII now stands as a jagged memorial.
Miedzianka, Poland

The Disappeared City of Miedzianka

This formerly-prosperous Silesian mining town was completely demolished in the late 1960s and early 1970s as an attempt to cover up a secret Soviet uranium mine.
Carnbooth Anti Aircraft Battery
Glasgow, Scotland

Carnbooth Anti-Aircraft Battery

This former World War II artillery defense site was built to guard the industrial city of Glasgow.
Powell, Wyoming

Heart Mountain Relocation Center

An unusual geological feature towers over the remains of a dark episode in United States history.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web