Fort Buckley

Fort Buckley is a military fort built on a steep hill below Barnard Street that overlooks Wellington harbor and port. Concrete foundations of two gun pits remain visible at the site, remnants of the defensive positions that once held powerful coastal artillery.

The fort was built in 1885 during tensions between Britain and Russia, serving as Wellington's first operational coastal defense site. It marked a turning point when the country actively prepared for potential international conflicts rather than relying entirely on British military support.

The fort reflects New Zealand's push for military independence when the country built its own coastal defense network instead of relying solely on British protection. It shows how important protecting Wellington's harbor was for the young nation's security.

The site is accessed through a gravel path from Barnard Street, where you can find a pamphlet with background information about the fort's past in a small container. It remains open to visitors during daylight hours with no admission charge, making it easy to explore at your own pace.

Today the Highland Park Progressive Association cares for this site and maintains it with practical additions like a picnic table placed on the concrete foundation of the former caretaker's house. This small detail shows how the community keeps the location functional while preserving its historical traces.