Stony Batter Historic Reserve walks
Track category
Tramping track
Description
To Stony Batter Historic Reserve from carpark
Time: 10 - 25 min
Stony Batter is a 10 to 25 minute walk to the tunnels from the carpark off Man O' War Bay Road. Look for direction signs.
Opopo Bay
Time: 1 hr 40 min return
Look for the sign on the right hand side of the road opposite the turn off to the main tunnel complex. Follow the wooden marker posts through the rock outcrops. The track descends through farmland and native bush to a gravel beach. The track may be overgrown in some areas and extra care is required when following the markers.
Hooks Bay
Time: 1 hr 40 min return
Follow the farm road past the Opopo Bay Track sign. Further on your left you'll see a stile which denotes the begining of the Hooks Bay Track. Follow the orange marker poles.
For those arriving by boat, the track starts at the eastern end of the beach (Hooks Bay) - look out for the green DOC track sign. Please do not use the private road from the main beach. The track heads up to Stony Batter, crossing farmland. Follow the orange marker poles.
Getting there
Stony Batter Historic Reserve is at the eastern end of Waiheke Island. From Onetangi head up the hill on Waiheke Road. After a couple of kilometres turn left into Man O'War Bay Road. Follow this road through farmland, then turn left into Stony Batter Road. There is a parking area with a walkway that crosses private farmland to reach the Stony Batter Historic Reserve.
About the area
Allow 30 to 90 minutes to explore the fort. The underground complex has more than a kilometre of interconnected tunnels, rooms and gun emplacements.
The tunnels feature steep stairs and other hazards and excellent reliable torches are essential. The recommended minimum requirement is for a 6 volt lantern torch ("Dolphin" style) and at least one per two people, preferably with a back up torch in case you drop and damage your main torch. On entering the main tunnel entrance, a quick easy test for your torch is to shine it down the tunnel and if it does not illuminate the sign at the first turn of the tunnel then your light is inadequate.
We strongly recommend that you take advantage of the high illumination torches that are for hire on site from the Stony Batter Protection & Restoration Society. These will greatly enhance your safety while making much of the historical detail more visible to you.
Guided tours of the complex and information are available on site daily between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm. Check on the availability of tours with the Waiheke i-SITE Visitor Centre +63 9 3721234 or make arrangements for tours directly with the Stony Batter Protection and Restoration Society +64 27 305 2772 or +64 27 345 1607. Cell phone coverage is unreliable at the site so your call may not be answered immediately. Please leave a message and your call will be returned.
Admission fees
(note that EFTPOS is not available)
Self guided tours: $8 adult, $5 child, $25 family
Guided Tours: $15 adult, $45 family
Stony Batter Protection and Restoration Society
The Stony Batter Protection and Restoration Society is a voluntary organisation formed to restore the Stony Batter defence complex. To find out more about their work or how you can be involved, visit their museum and information centre at Stony Batter. All proceeds from fees go to the restoration work of the Trust.
Guides and commercial tourism providers