Naval museum and tunnels at northhead devonport, auckland. Here, we explored a whole series of military tunnels, rooms and disappearing gun emplacements built starting in 1888 for protection from a feared russian invasion. There is a walk around the outside, down by the oceon, plus all the gun turrets to explore and the tunnels. Devonport dockyard deep air raid shelter cann tunnel. Membership is free, just enquire the next time you purchase a book. It is the first book in the tunnels series, and was followed by deeper 2008, freefall 2009, closer 2010, spiral 2011 and. The north battery is where the first guns were placed in 1870.
If you are going to devonport pack a torch and take the kids to north head at the end of devonport. New members are always welcome to join the association. Join our customer club loyalty scheme and receive a discount on purchases, a monthly newsletter, special offers and invitations to our special events. Plymouth dock devonport, and the security of the naval dockyard. Devonport, formerly named plymouth dock or just dock, is a district of plymouth in the english county of devon, although it was, at one time, the more important settlement.
Its in devonport at the mouth of the waitemata harbour. Well mum and dad have been here for the best part of six weeks and a little over a week ago we all said our goodbyes at the airport and they headed back to their garden and cosy home in norfolk. Getting there maungauikanorth head is located in devonport at the northern headland of the waitemata harbour. Devonport command field gun crew regiment history, war. Aerial oblique view of antiaircraft gun positions on the corner of trig road and spedding road. We make our way back to our base on devonport wharf riding uphill and down dale through the back streets of the village to admire the victorian. It was cool and dark inside these tunnels, nice to explore on a hot day but if you visit, walk slowly. With over 20,000 books in stock only a fraction of our inventory is listed online, so please do drop us a line or give us a call for assistance.
These were separated by a deep cutting in which albert road halt would eventually be built. Apr 14, 2016 in additional to several gun placements remaining on this trail youll find the access point to the underground tunnels that run through the hillside. Ive been to many forts that had disappearing cannon batteries, but no guns to be seen. Beyond the quaint cafes and shops on victoria road, devonport boasts some of aucklands best vista points. Welcome to our facebook page to discuss some of aucklands forgotten military history and. Devonport is a cute village, with a british style pub up the top end of the main street and the ferry terminal at the bottom. Climb to the top of mount victoria, the north shores highest volcanic cone, for a 360degree lookout. Our selfguides take you around north head so that you do not miss out on the fun bits. Maungauika is a volcano forming a headland called north head at the east end of the waitemata harbour in auckland, new zealand, in the suburb of devonport.
In additional to several gun placements remaining on this trail youll find the access point to the underground tunnels that run through the hillside. There are about 7 subplots that are developed by this time, so the story doesnt drag, plus this gives ample opportunity for more 3 dimensional characters and. Learn more about the installations from information panels on the walls inside the fort wall. In 1956 i was in the royal navys devonport field gun crew whose base was hms drake in devonport and subsequently devonport dockyard remained the home for the devonport field gun association. It was initially selfpublished as the highfield mole in 2005, and. Stunning beaches, miltary history, boutique shops and local events. Just 12 minutes across the harbour from downtown auckland, devonport is one of the. Browse boutique shops and relax at one of devonports casualcool cafes and restaurants. Devonport bookshop australian independent bookseller home. The devonport bookshop actively works with publishers and authors to hold book launches, author signings and other literary events. Visit devonport auckland, south island, new zealand.
The old gun emplacements and underground connecting tunnels are restored and open for you to explore bring a torch. The volcanic cone offers incredible 360 degree views over the hauraki gulf and across to the city. North head guided tour explore the north head tunnels. The grassy slopes of the hill offer numerous picnic spots with widespread views over the city, harbour and islands of the hauraki gulf. Whilst the majority of the fort was filled in 100 years ago, the remaining elements are open left to explore.
The devonport bookshop is an independent bookshop providing a haven for readers in the devonport region of north west tasmania, since 1995. Tunnels including the whole series is another incredibly wellwritten and plotted series for its age group and genre. The adjacent naval base was the main focus of devonport for many decades. The north head historic reserve is open from 6am 10pm seven days, with the vehicle gates open from 6am 6pm and is located within easy walking distance of the devonport high street and ferry terminal. Devonport was originally one of the three towns along with plymouth and east stonehouse. These two tunnels went from ford viaduct now demolished too kings road station betwen the two tunnels was albert road halt which had no remains left either. On north head, explore military tunnels, bunkers and gun emplacements before. Ferries, the occasional ship and a steady stream of pleasure. Some of the tunnels were so dark, and not for the faint of heart, especially when exploring on your own. On north head, explore military tunnels, bunkers and gun emplacements before visiting the neighbouring torpedo bay navy museum. Beneath the surface are the subterranean devonport tunnels that can be freely explored. The biggest north head attraction is the disappearing gun, housed in the side of the hill and built to recoil below ground level after being fired. The eastern entrance to the tunnels beneath the gun is down by the historic tennis court flat area to the left of the gun when looking out to sea.
Devonport, northhead and tunnels devonport, auckland. The crews started at one end of the arena and began by negotiating an obstacle of planks fixed at 18inches above the ground. Browse boutique shops and relax at one of devonport s casualcool cafes and restaurants. Explore the underground tunnels, gun emplacements and fortifications at north head is a must. Posted in days out, tagged art gallery, devonport, ferry, raw power, tofu on march 23, 20 1 comment.
Just across auckland harbour from the central business district, the historic suburb of devonport is full of charm and character. Plenty of great places to eat, quality food at a reasonable price, or get some fish and chips kiwi classic to eat at the park by the beach. These were located on fore street, devonport hill and at new passage hill. Mar 09, 20 from quirky shops to great cafes, lovely walks along the beaches or up one of the three volcanic cones including gun implacements and tunnels on northhead devonport is a great spot, especially if you catch the ferry to get there. Devonport tunnels north head, auckland, new zealand. Visit devonport auckland, south island, new zealand leroy. A guided tour of the volcanic features in devonport, including pupuke lake explosion crater, the lava flows at oneills bay, north head volcano and tunnels, and mt victoria volcano. Welcome to our facebook page to discuss some of aucklands forgotten military history and maybe even stumble upon a way into the.
Devonport military history trail visit devonport, auckland. Tunnels was critically well received, although some complaints about its lengthy, slow start were recorded. We visited recently and enjoyed climbing the hillsides, walking through the maze of the military tunnels, examining the cannons and gun encasements, and we learned about the history through a free 20minute movie in the old stone kitchen. The reserve is approximately 16 km from downtown auckland by car taking around 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Today was clear and sunny, which called for a walk and climb to look over auckland from up high from mount victoria. The volcanic hill was further developed during world war ii, and its honeycombed with underground tunnels, chambers, and gun emplacements. You can then take a walk through the tunnels and bunkers to get up close to the disappearing gun installed on north headmaungauika in 1887. The devonport field gun crew can trace its history back to the first inter command. How do i prebook my ferry trip or tour online to avoid ticket queues. Bookmark quality secondhand and antiquarian books bought. There are about 7 subplots that are developed by this time, so the story doesnt drag, plus this gives ample opportunity for more 3 dimensional characters and action. North head historic reserve trail and walk visit devonport. The book launch and presentation of the results of the ground penetrating radar investigation of north head 201214 will be presented on the 15 december 2014 at the devonport rsa starting 7.
Cornerstone bookshop in devonport, tas, bookstores truelocal. A historical highlight of the installation is the large disappearing gun, one of a few remaining in the world. From quirky shops to great cafes, lovely walks along the beaches or up one of the three volcanic cones including gun implacements and tunnels on northhead devonport is a great spot, especially if you catch the ferry to get there. Maungauikanorth head is located in devonport at the northern headland of the waitemata harbour. This book is about a boy will burrows, and his friend chester who goes on a quest initially intended to search for his fatherwho disappeared in some strange tunnels, in which he eventually finds an underground colony inhabited by strange and cynical beings called the styx. North head holds a military tunnel complex, gun emplacements and fortifications and is well signposted with numbered descriptions and orange markers. Enjoyed this informative one hour tour around devonport and close environs with leader a steve who share very interesting knowledge of area and history being a long term resident and house owner.
Mountain views were great and tunnels around gun turrets most interesting. The book placed on the new york times childrens chapter books bestseller list in february and march 2008. The latest association news and events are posted here. The western entrance to the tunnels underneath the gun is near number 7 on the map. Maungauikanorth head is located in devonport at the northern headland of the. Blue bellies and woos are welcome to pop in for a pint or a half if.
See other dog friendly walks and devonports villagestyle shops and cafes is always a great. Spending a day exploring the tunnels and having a picnic is strongly advised. Look out for the complex of tunnels, guns including a disappearing gun from 1886 and other fortifications. Devonport field gun association ltd history youtube. Welcome to the devonport field gun association website. From 1944, it was then used as naval storage for depth charges. The largest naval base in western europe, hmnb devonport is located in devonport, in the west of the city of plymouth, england. Tunnels is a subterranean fiction novel by british authors roderick gordon and brian williams. Youll be gobsmacked by the views of auckland city and the hauraki gulf as you round the corner at the summit of north headmaungauika one of aucklands most treasured historic reserves.
Both tunnels have had sewer put through them which why one side is raised. Work is underway at maungauika north head in devonport to maintain parts of the historic defence tunnels. Seriously, this is the place of my childhood dreams with so many tunnels and hidden rooms carved into the hillside. It was initially selfpublished as the highfield mole in 2005, and rereleased as tunnels by chicken house in 2007. The site is designed to provide a focal point for members of the association. It has a fantastic plot which constantly keeps the reader into it. Listen to devonports audio walking tour, or find the best places to sleep and dine in devonport. North head maungauika historic walk aa new zealand. Click here to sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date with latest book releases, news and more membership is free and youll receive a monthly newsletter, special offers, competitions and invitations to our special events. The eastern entrance to the tunnels beneath the gun is down by the historic tennis. Bookmark is situated in historic devonport, just a short 10 minute ferry ride from downtown auckland. This is my first proper attempt at photos in the dark using a tripod and lights so any. Two gun crews of eighteen men from the commands of portsmouth, devonport and chatham took part in the first competition. Report devonport dockyard deep shelterthe cann tunnel.
I heard that it was going to have been made into a movie at one point, but was really disappointed when it got canceled, however, this is a book that one must read. Take the first left once you enter the tunnel here. Sep 15, 20 when we walked around north head we missed out on seeing the many tunnels and gun placements because we did not know they were there. On its approach it passed through two tunnels ford 373 yards and devonport park 530 yards. Mar 01, 2012 this is the 4th book in the tunnels series. Her majestys naval base, devonport hmnb devonport is one of three operating bases in the united kingdom for the royal navy the others being hmnb clyde and hmnb portsmouth and is the sole nuclear repair and refuelling facility for the royal navy. Mt victoria provides spectacular views it is higher than north head and closer to auckland city. The tunnels have been made safe and some are now open to the public. Stay on trackget your detailed guide and map an005 north head devonport over at our walks store and our book store one of 12 walks featured in our books volcanoes and coastal part 1.
The devonport military history trail is the perfect introduction to devonports connections with the military service, and unique military strong points. Take a selfguided walk to explore the barracks, tunnels, gun pits and magazine inside the last of the new zealand designed twin 6 inch gun forts. Welcome to bookmark, purveyors of quality secondhand, used and rare books. Im sure some of your readers will remember the royal navy field gun competitions which were part of the royal tournament each year until 1999. North head is an old fortified settlement with an old disappearing gun, bunkers, and tunnels galore to explore. Dont be put off by the locked ones by the first car park keep on going to the 2nd car park, then walk towards the sea on the devonport side, or start on the other side and walk around from there. Take a selfguided walk through tunnels and other features of the areas. The story follows will burrows, a 14yearold archaeologist, who stumbles upon an underground civilization called the colony. Devonport field gun association ltd present day youtube.
1199 1350 36 1287 1217 1073 1102 1270 1083 417 368 358 682 928 613 999 1419 849 1283 41 67 704 548 1322 891 998 1133 424 1230 121 963 1192 257 1014 408 1193 1325 1320 812 979 1342 112 134 1409 1379