After taking a 1:40am coach I arrived in Auckland where I would get one last our in before heading to the airport. I placed my bag in a locker at the station and walked over the ferry building for a $12 ride to Davenport Island about 20 minutes away.
With small map in hand I walked along the waterfront for about 20 minutes before reaching NORTH HEAD 1885 FORT. The history and buildings here would be fascinating to both history buffs and not. A clearly marked path with incredible views of Auckland’s Bay lead you into caves, old turrets, barracks and more. Without a flashlight, some places were rather eerie, but I found that if I looked down at my feet and continued walking there was always light at the end of the tunnel.
The history behind building this fort is that it was due to fears of being attacked by the Russian Navy back in 1885. Records exist dating back to this early period based on information logged by the designers of the fort, some of who lived through the 1800’s. There are North and South summit batteries, engine rooms, a minefield control post and more.
Down the hill and across a few blocks I headed up the side of the very green MT VICTORIA, at 87 meters. Here reside Maori fortifications, which are entirely different looking fortresses dug into the side of the hill. Interesting enough it now is home to concerts for some music club. There is also fenced in radar tower right at the top.
As a side note both of these sites have paved roads and parking lots enabling handicapped to enjoy as well. And there is a two-hour bus tour available that I couldn’t go on as I had a flight to catch.