Fort Ballance Fort Ballance Road, Karaka Bays, Wellington 6022

Welcome to Fort Ballance, a historic institution located in Wellington, New Zealand. Situated on Gordon Point, Fort Ballance stands as a testament to New Zealand's dedication to protecting its shores from sea-borne invasions. Built in 1885 amidst fears of a potential war with Russia, Fort Ballance is one of the best-preserved coastal defense sites from the nineteenth century.

Commissioned by the New Zealand Government, engineer Major Henry Cautley designed a series of fortifications to safeguard the country's main ports. Fort Ballance, named after the Minister of Defence at the time, John Ballance, became Wellington's primary fortification. Constructed by the Armed Constabulary, day laborers, and prison inmates, the fort aimed to prevent enemy ships from entering the inner harbor and provided cover for the minefield between Gordon Point and Ward Island.

Supported by positions at Kau Point and Point Halswell, Fort Ballance boasted more guns than any other fort in New Zealand when fully armed. Although the feared Russian attack never materialized, the fort underwent continuous upgrades to keep up with evolving artillery technology. However, by 1911, the increased firing range of enemy guns shifted the focus to defending the coast rather than the inner harbor. Fort Dorset, located at the harbor entrance, took over as Wellington's new coastal defense stronghold.

Fort Ballance remained operational throughout World War One, but its role changed. In 1924, two of its gun pits were converted into magazines, making it Wellington's main ammunition supply depot until 1959. During World War Two, the fort was briefly rearmed to accommodate additional emergency defenses. After the war, the site served as army housing until 1990, saving it from destruction during the era when many of New Zealand's coastal defenses were demolished.

Today, Fort Ballance stands as one of the finest and most intact examples of the coastal fortifications constructed in the 1880s. It holds immense historical and physical significance, representing New Zealand's journey towards independence from the British Crown. The fort's layout remains largely unaltered from the 1880s, providing visitors with a genuine glimpse into the past. Its use of concrete as a building material also showcases early technological advancements.

Fort Ballance is a rare military site that was continuously used for 105 years, making it an invaluable educational resource. It offers a unique perspective on New Zealand's response to the rapid developments in military technology throughout the first half of the twentieth century.

Located at the end of Fort Ballance Road, which branches off from Shelly Bay Road near the NIWA laboratory at Mahanga Bay, the fort is easily accessible. However, please note that access to the site is strictly prohibited.