City Tours Auckland

Descend Underground Into One of New Zealand's Best-Kept WWII Secrets

Stony Batter Tunnels is New Zealand's largest WWII coastal fortress  - 1.2km of hand-carved tunnels, quarried in total secrecy in 1943 to defend Auckland from invasion, and preserved almost exactly as they were left at war's end. Today, expert local guides lead you through the tunnels, engine rooms, and chambers most New Zealanders have never heard of, before bringing you back up to spectacular coastal views over the Hauraki Gulf. One of the most dramatic and historically significant visitor experiences in the Auckland region.

What You'll See Underground.

Your guide will take you deep into the fortress, through a tunnel system of passages and chambers that tell the story of a country quietly preparing for war. Along the way you'll explore:

• The Grand Staircase, descending deep beneath the forest floor
• Original gun emplacements and emplacements, engineered to rotate 360° and fire shells over 30km across the Hauraki Gulf
• The Engine Room, which once powered the entire underground complex via diesel generators
• The Operations and Plotting Rooms  -  the nerve centre of Auckland's coastal defence
• Magazine chambers built to store live 9.2-inch ammunition
• Curated installations woven through the underground spaces

Tours run approximately one hour and are led by knowledgeable local guides. 

Good to Know Before You Book.

The walk in: From the car park, it's approximately 1km (15–20 minutes) along a farm road to the visitor centre and tunnel entrance. The track is unsealed and uneven, crosses working farmland, and has a gentle but sustained incline. Closed-toe walking shoes are essential. Sandals and jandals are not suitable.

The tunnels: Expect steep staircases and enclosed spaces. The experience is manageable for most visitors of average fitness, but if you have significant mobility limitations or are uncomfortable in confined, dimly lit spaces, please check our FAQs  before booking or contact us directly.

Children: Kids are welcome on all tours and consistently love the experience. Under 5s are free with a paying adult. The track and tunnel staircases are not suitable for prams or strollers, a front-pack or child carrier is recommended for very young children.

Booking: Tours depart on a schedule and can sell out, particularly on weekends and during summer. Booking ahead is strongly recommended.

For full visitor information  including accessibility details, transport options, and what to bring - see our full FAQs

Getting Here. 

Stony Batter is at the remote eastern end of Waiheke Island, approximately 40-50 minutes' drive from Matiatia Ferry Terminal at Onetangi.

By car or rental car:

By bus: The Eastern Explorer hop-on-hop-off bus runs from Matiatia Ferry Terminal, timed with Fullers ferries from downtown Auckland during Summer.  The bus connects through to the Man O' War Bay area. Please note the service  does not operate year round, check current timetables and book ahead as seating is limited. 

By ferry: Travel Direct to Man O' War Bay with Explore Group.  Check current sailing schedules before your visit. THEN TAXI INFO TO SBT???

For full directions and transport options, visit our Getting Here inforrmation. 

Make a Day of It

Make Stony Batter part of an eastern Waiheke adventure. Two experiences that pair especially well:

Man O' War Vineyards: Award-winning wine, beach-front Tasting Room & Restaurant.  Man O' War is just minutes from Stony Batter and a natural stop on any eastern Waiheke itinerary. Book a table at Man O' War.

Forest Flight Zipline: Feeling adventurous? Forest Flight is an epic zipline journey through ancient Kauri forest on Waiheke's eastern end  -  and it finishes just steps from Man O' War's Tasting Room and Restaurant. Book Forest Flight.


Frequently Asked Questions

For answers to common questions about visiting Stony Batter,  including what to wear, transport options, accessibility, and what's included in each tour,  visit our full FAQ page.