Upper Hutt Blockhouse Open Day

"The Upper Hutt Blockhouse is one of the few remaining buildings associated with the New Zealand wars, as well as a monument to Pākehā settler anxiety, built in fear of an attack by Māori that never came. Visit today and you’ll get a sense of the defensive ‘last stand’ mindset. On both floors you’ll find a series of balistraria, tightly angled gun slots through which members of the militia would defend their posts. Keep an eye out, too, for an exposed panel where you can see the fine gravel that was packed between the exterior weatherboards and inch-thick interior boards to absorb the impact of answering gunfire. Don’t be fooled by the windows – they were added later. Originally, the loop holes you’ll spy on the walls were the only way to see out." Inside the Blockhouse there’s an exhibition from Whirinaki Whare Taonga, telling the early story of Upper Hutt and its Blockhouse. This Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga property is not open to the public often, so bring the family between 11am and 3pm (no booking required)! This is a free event, but koha is welcome