About the Tunnels
Hidden beneath the farmland at the eastern end of Waiheke is one of New Zealand’s largest and most modern Second World War coastal defence batteries.
First proposed in 1938 and authorised in 1942, Stony Batter was designed as a long-range counter-bombardment battery protecting the approaches to Auckland. Construction began in 1943, creating three massive gun emplacements and an extensive underground complex of magazines, gun stores, engine and plotting rooms, workshops and connecting passages.
Building on this remote site was a major engineering undertaking. Wartime shortages of labour and materials, together with Stony Batter’s isolation, slowed construction. By the time the complex was substantially complete in 1944, the war in the Pacific had changed and its original defensive role was becoming less urgent.
Only two of the planned guns were eventually installed. They were never fired in combat. Each was fired twice during a training exercise in 1951.
Today, the surviving complex is recognised by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga as a Category 1 Historic Place - a remarkable physical reminder of the scale of New Zealand’s wartime preparations and the lengths the country was prepared to go to defend Auckland and its surrounding waters.
Our Commitment to Safety.
Your safety is important to us. Stony Batter Tunnels is a historic underground environment and, like any adventure activity, involves risks that cannot be completely eliminated.
The experience involves dark and dimly lit tunnels, stairs, uneven and potentially slippery terrain, and confined underground spaces. These present risks including slips, trips and falls. The tunnel environment may also cause discomfort for people who experience claustrophobia or anxiety. Natural events such as earthquakes may present additional risks outside our control.
Participants must have a moderate level of fitness and be able to walk on uneven ground and climb stairs unassisted.
For your safety:
Secure footwear is required; jandals and loose slip-ons are not suitable.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Follow your guide's instructions and remain with the group at all times.
Let your guide know if you feel unwell, anxious, claustrophobic, dizzy or unsafe.
Please advise us of any medical condition or injury that may affect your ability to safely complete the tour.
It is essential to remain with the group at all times. Should you become separated or your light fails, please stop where you are and loudly call for guide help.
In an emergency: stop, listen to the guide, remain calm, do not self-evacuate unless instructed or life safety requires it.
You cannot participate if impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Our guides are there to help you have a safe and enjoyable experience. They will provide a safety briefing before entering the tunnels and will manage the group throughout the experience. If you have any questions or concerns before your visit, please contact us.
Book a Tour
Discover the remarkable history hidden beneath Stony Batter.
Join us for a one-hour guided tour through the underground tunnels, exploring the stories, engineering and wartime history of this extraordinary site at the eastern end of Waiheke Island.
Currently operating tours Thursday – Sunday. Please refer to the booking calendar for available dates and tour times.
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Currently operating several tours Thursday – Sunday. Please refer to the booking calendar for available dates and tour times.
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0-5 years | FREE
Adult: 16 and over | $35
6-15 years (Maximum of 4 children per paying adult) | $15
Family - 2 adults 2 kids | $90
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Stony Batter is at the remote eastern end of Waiheke, roughly 35–50 minutes drive from Matiatia Ferry Terminal. The final stretch is unsealed and relatively so allow extra time.
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Please arrive at Stony Batter car park atleast 45 mins before your tour.
The carpark is not located at the tunnels. From here, allow 20 mins approx. to walk along a farm road and through open farmland to the Tour Office. Please check in 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. -
Expect steep staircases, low lighting in places, and enclosed spaces - manageable for most fitness levels but worth knowing if you’re not keen on confined spaces.
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Sturdy shoes, water, a jacket (it’s breezy and cool underground and exposed on the headland), and a camera — the surrounding views over the Hauraki Gulf are genuinely spectacular.
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Make a day of it and pair your visit with lunch or a wine tasting at Man O’ War Vineyards. Feeling adventurous? Explore more of Waiheke’s eastern end with Forest Flight - an epic zipline journey through ancient Kauri forest, ending just steps from Man O’ War’sTasting Room & Restaurant.
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Planning a group visit or looking for something a little more exclusive?
We offer private guided tours and group experiences, with the option to combine your visit to Stony Batter with other Man O’ War experiences.Out team can help put together an itinerary to suit your group.
For group enquiries, private tour bookings and pricing please contact our team.
