Fort Taiaroa

#216 Do - Tour the underground tunnels of Fort Taiaroa below the albatross colony at Taiaroa Head and see the world's only fully restored Armstrong Disappearing Gun. The Fort was constructed in 1885, with six gun batteries installed from 1885 to 1905, as part of New Zealand's development of coastal defence to cover its major ports. Defence issues were brought to attention when Russia invaded Afghanistan in 1885, resulting in a threat of war between Russia and Britain. The Armstrong Disappearing Gun was made in England in 1886 and it was the latest technology - on a hydro-pneumatic retracting carriage, it was aimed while below ground, raised, fired and returned to the pit for reloading, all 5 tonnes worth! These fascinating tours of the historic fort have been running for 30 years and as part of the Heritage Festival, they're offering free tours until Monday, which I was excited to make the most of the opportunity to do today

#history #explore #museum #event