Fort Takapuna is a coastal defence fort on Vauxhall Road at Narrow Neck, on the North Shore, that was built between 1886 and 1889 to guard the entrance to Auckland harbour. It was designed by Major Tudor-Boddam of the Royal Artillery when Russia seemed to threaten war with the British Empire. Its underground part held two six-inch disappearing guns in circular gun pits. The site also keeps a guard house by the road entrance, the Officers Mess overlooking the Rangitoto Channel, and artillery buildings inside the current naval training complex. Together they form a complex with elements from every period of New Zealand coastal defence. The Auckland Coastal Defences Historical Trust runs guided tours of the fort, North Head and Fort Victoria, with volunteer guides, and the trust was founded in 2009.
The tours are arranged for family groups, school classes, clubs, corporate outings and cruise ship visitors, and the times and content can be adjusted to suit the group. Donations and koha go straight into restoring and maintaining the sites. Access is a short distance from the beach. Drivers take the Esmond Road exit and climb Vauxhall Road, and the fort sits in the park on the left. If the gate is closed, it is an easy walk in. Ferries run from downtown Auckland to Devonport, and the fort is about a 30-minute walk from there. The trust says North Head sees over 500,000 visitors a year, which makes it one of the busier historic walks on the North Shore. Our pick on the North Shore for a history-minded family day out.