Miramar Peninsula - Historical Aspects

Historical Aspects

There are a number of derelict military fortifications on the peninsula. From the late 19th century to the Second World War, the Miramar Peninsula was an important component of an evolving coastal defence system, designed to protect the capital, harbour and hinterland from the threat of foreign naval attack.

In an era when naval power was based mainly on battleships, Miramar's strategic positionmade it ideal for coastal guns which could be used to prevent enemy warships approaching, bombarding the city, and entering Wellington Harbour. Large coastal artillery fortifications were built at Fort Ballance in 1885, at Fort Dorset from 1908, and Palmer Head from 1936. In the Second World War, the advent of naval airpower made these coastal fortifications largely redundant, because an enemy naval force could carry out aerial attacks, using planes launched from aircraft carriers well beyond the range of even the largest shore-based guns.

Some of the fortifications are in reasonable condition, and can be readily accessed on foot. Fort Ballance, overlooking the channel, is a short walk from Scorching Bay or Mahanga Bay. These Victorian era fortifications feature concrete gun emplacements, observation posts, and underground rooms. At Breaker Bay, a trail runs along the low ridge above between the beach and Seatoun, passing two battery observation posts, a command post, and concrete foundations for artillery guns. At Point Halswell, the concrete emplacements for World War Two era anti-aircraft guns and a command post can be reached from the Massey Memorial or a road running down from Mount Crawford. Nearby is a Victorian era gun position at Kau Point, overlooking Wellington Harbour. At Palmer Head, a radar station is located on the cliffs above Moa Point, looking out across Cook Strait, and is a short walk from Ahuriri Street.