This application is notified under section 17SC of the Conservation Act 1987. The Minister of Conservation has received an application for a concession from:
Applicant
Applicant: Te Haerenga o Ngāi Tai Ki Tāmaki Limited and Man O'War Vineyards Limited
Concession applied for: Lease and licence
Location of proposed activity: Stony Batter Historic Reserve, Waiheke Island
Summary of proposal: Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and Man O’War Vineyards Limited propose to establish a visitor centre from which to undertake guided tours at Stony Batter Historic Reserve. The visitor centre and tours will utilise existing structures without any proposed structural modifications.
Scheduled guided tours will offer visitors the opportunity to explore the historic underground tunnels and gun emplacements in detail, with educational, historical and cultural information provided by staff. Access to the tunnels will be restricted to paying customers, however non-paying visitors will be able to explore the above-ground features free of charge.
Exclusive use of the visitor centre and historic tunnels is so that they can be locked after hours to protect the public’s safety and the security of the tunnels.
A term of 10 years with a 10 year right of renewal (total of 20 years) is sought.
This application was invited by the Department of Conservation following a closed tender process.
Application documents:
- Application form 1a and 4a – Applicant information and application for land based guiding activities (PDF, 655K)
- Application form 3a – Tenanting or using existing DOC structure/facility (PDF, 5,014K)
How to make a submission
Submissions closed on 27 November 2025.
We received 24 Submissions, 18 in support and 6 opposed: Submissions received (PDF, 1,503K)
- Stony Batter – Submissions and Objections Summary Report (PDF, 406K)
- Stony Batter – Recommendations and Decision Report (PDF, 778K)
- Stony Batter Heritage Park – Request for Proposal 2025 recommendation report (PDF, 330K)
Decision
On 13 April 2026, the decision-maker approved the application and granted a lease and licence concession for a term of 10 years commencing 8 May 2026.
Contact
If you have a question about the application or the submission process you can contact Ben Fielding, Senior Permissions Treaty Advisor.
Email: DNSubmissions@doc.govt.nz