About the Tunnels

Descend 60 Metres underground into one of New Zealand’s best-kept WWII secrets - Stony BatterTunnels

New Zealand’s largest WWII coastal fortress, 1.2km of hand-carved tunnels, quarried in total secrecy in 1943 to defend Auckland from invasion, and preserved almost exactly as they were left at war’s end.

Today, expert local guides lead you through gun turrets, engine rooms, and chambers before bringing you back up to spectacular coastal views over the Hauraki Gulf to the Coromandel Peninsula. A Category 1 heritage listing Stony Batter stands as one of the country’s most extraordinary defence structures, and an engineering achievement of historical significance for both its unique construction method and exceptional state of preservation.

Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and Man O’ War Vineyards are proud to take on the role of kaitiaki - guardians of the Stony Batter Tunnels.

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Opening Hours

From Wednesday 2nd September
Wednesday – Sunday

From Labour Weekend - 7 Days.

  • From Wednesday 2nd September | Wednesday – Sunday. From Labour Weekend - 7 Days.

    • 10.30am

    • 12.00pm

    • 2.00pm

    Tours - approximately 1 hour

    • 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

    • Exclusive Tour (up to 14pax) | $450

  • 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 best to allow extra time.

    A car or the Eastern Explorer hop-on-hop-off bus* are your main options; there’s no regular public transport to the site.

    *Note this does not operate year -round – please check Fullers Website for details.

  • From the car park, it;s about 1km (roughly 15–20 minutes) along a farm road to the visitor centre and tunnel entrance — uneven underfoot, with some incline, and you’ll likely share the path with grazing sheep. Wear proper closed-toe walking shoes.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Book your tour