Fort Takapuna's Historical Significance
Fort Takapuna is perched atop the cliffs of Takapuna Head, southeast of Narrow Neck on the North Shore of Auckland. This historical site was developed in the late 1800s as part of a defensive strategy during the Russian Scare, when fears of a Russian naval attack on New Zealand arose due to tensions between Russia and Britain.
Exploring the Park and Fortifications
Today, the area surrounding Fort Takapuna is a grassy park that gently slopes from the cliffs around the Head down to Narrow Neck Beach. There is also an active naval barracks at the eastern end of the park.
As you walk towards the house at the park's highest point, once an observation post, you'll find the main fortifications to your right. These structures are embedded in the ground behind the coastal cliff. The main entrance is particularly striking, featuring Victorian-era brickwork and a castle-top facade. In contrast, further east, you'll encounter several utilitarian World War II-era gun emplacements. If you explore the area a little further, you will also discover old tunnel entrances, albeit these are blocked off.
Navigating the Cliff Track
A rough, unmarked track descends the cliff near the first gun emplacement. Although it can be challenging to spot from below, if you are walking below the cliffs (at low tide) from Cheltenham, you can climb up to Fort Takapuna before reaching Narrow Neck Beach. The rock formations below this track are notably colourful and distinctive, and you may note the WWII-era searchlight emplacement.
Part of the North Shore Coastal Walk
Fort Takapuna on Takapuna Head is an integral part of the North Shore Coastal Walk, which is also part of Te Araroa. The below-ground fort is one of the most unusual historic features in Auckland and is well worth the short deviation on the walk.
How to Get There
To reach Fort Takapuna from Downtown Auckland, take the northern motorway over the bridge, then the Esmonde Road / Takapuna off-ramp. Follow Esmonde Road to the east to Lake Road, then follow this to Seabreeze Road. Narrow Neck Beach is at the end of Sea Breeze Road, and Takapuna Head is at the southeast end of he beach. There are car parks behind the beach and along Vauxhall Road next to the head. The drive takes about 24 minutes by car or an hour to take the ferry from Downtown, then walk.
Other nearby places to visit with historical features include Devonport Village, Takarunga / Mount Victoria and Maungauika / North Head.
