Stony Batter is the generic name for a privately-owned farm and extensive vineyards at the northeastern end of Waiheke Island, Auckland, New Zealand. Within the farm is a 50 acre (200,000 m²) scenic reserve owned by the New Zealand Department of Conservation. It serves double-duty as an historical and nature reserve, wherein there are three significant bush blocks and three concrete gun emplacements with over one kilometer of tunnels from a World War II coastal defence gun battery, installed to ensure safe anchorage in Auckland Harbor for Allied shipping. The battery, was started in 1942, but the first gun was not test fired until 1946(after the war had ended); the order for the third gun was cancelled before being exported from England. Categories: Stub | Islands of New Zealand | Auckland ... Auckland, in the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest urban area in New Zealand. ... New Zealand is an independent sovereign state in the south-western Pacific Ocean. ... In military science, a battery is a group of artillery or cannon, so grouped in order to facilitate battlefield communication and the organization of barrages. ... 1942 was a common year starting on Thursday (link will take you to calendar). ... 1946 was a common year starting on Tuesday. ...
It is very similar in design to Wrights Hill Fortress in Wellington and suffered from the same political procrastination and bungling, resulting in delays and the final redundancy of both installations. Wrights Hill Fortress is a coastal battery in the Karori suburb of Wellington, New Zealand. ... Panorama of Wellington from Mount Victoria at night Alternative meanings at Wellington (disambiguation) Wellington (Te Whanganui-a-Tara or Poneke) is the capital city of New Zealand and the countrys second largest urban area. ...
The battery is now in the hands of a preservation society, which keeps it open for the public under a concession from DoC.
Links
Stony Batter Preservation & Restoration Society (www.stonybatter.org) (http://www.stonybatter.org)
StonyBatter Estate is currently looking for an A grade BVandO degree graduate student for a full time position as a viticulturist.
StonyBatter is an ambitious vineyard development being undertaken at the eastern end of Waiheke Island on the 5000 acre Man O' War Station and also on neighbouring Ponui Island.
StonyBatter currently has over 100 acres of planted vineyard with a further 150 acres planned for 2003-5.