Upper Hutt Blockhouse Open Day
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)!
Come visit the Upper Hutt Blockhouse between 11am-3pm on Saturday 26 October and Saturday 2 November.
"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.
Health & Safety
A first aid kit, fire extinguisher and toilet facilities on-site. Fire exit located on the ground floor, and emergency assembly point outside the Heretaunga College Gym.
A Heritage New Zealand staff member will be on-site, providing a H&S brief.
Regions
Tags
Event times
11am-3pm Sat 26 Oct
Free
Cost: Koha is welcome
11am-3pm Sat 2 Nov
Free
Cost: Koha is welcome