At the eastern end of the island, privately owned Stony Batter has WWII tunnels and gun emplacements that were built in 1941 to defend Auckland’s harbour. The 20-minute walk from the car park leads through private farmland; bring cash for the entry fee. At the time of research, the tunnels were shut until further notice due to safety concerns, but you can still wander around the site.
Stony Batter Historic Reserve
Waiheke Island
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
23.2 MILES
Maungakiekie was the largest and most spiritually significant Māori pā (fortified village) prior to British arrival. At the top of this volcanic cone (at…
23.63 MILES
From the top of Auckland’s highest volcanic cone (196m), the entire isthmus and both harbours are laid bare. The symmetrical crater (50m deep) is known as…
22.54 MILES
This imposing neoclassical temple (1929), capped with an impressive copper-and-glass dome (2007), dominates the Auckland Domain and is a prominent part of…
22.99 MILES
Auckland's premier art repository has a striking glass-and-wood atrium grafted onto its 1887 French chateau frame. It showcases the best of NZ art, along…
24.61 MILES
Housed in a gorgeous 1879 mansion with views to One Tree Hill and the Manukau Harbour, this arts centre is endowed with contemporary NZ art from an…
1.57 MILES
Settle in with a tapas platter and a glass of Man O' War's Valhalla chardonnay at Waiheke's only beachfront tasting room. If the weather is good, go for a…
25.7 MILES
At this modern, spacious zoo, the big foreigners tend to steal the attention from the timid natives, but if you can wrestle the kids away from the tigers…
20.12 MILES
North Head was a Māori pā and is still a fortress of sorts, with the navy maintaining a presence. It's riddled with tunnels, started at the end of the…
Nearby Waiheke Island attractions
1.57 MILES
Settle in with a tapas platter and a glass of Man O' War's Valhalla chardonnay at Waiheke's only beachfront tasting room. If the weather is good, go for a…
4.32 MILES
A pricey but excellent private sculpture park featuring a stellar roster of NZ artists. Admission is by way of a two-hour guided tour. There are only a…
4.4 MILES
'Waiheke's most awarded winery' serves excellent pizza among the vines.
5.15 MILES
Peacock Sky combines a rustic vineyard ambience with wine tasting (from $3), and main dishes ($30 to $35) and shared platters ($34 to $48) tinged with…
5. Waiheke Museum & Historic Village
5.92 MILES
Displays islander artefacts in six restored buildings.
5.99 MILES
Waiheke's most famous vineyard is home to world-famous reds, an atmospheric cafe and the occasional yoga session on the breezy decks. Order a bottle of…
6.23 MILES
Showcasing its offerings in a modern bar-and-bistro complex, this winery and microbrewery offers tastings and activities including archery and laser clay…
7.23 MILES
Wander steep pathways through privately owned rainforest, wetlands and gardens scattered with sculpture. Cash only.