Visit the Upper Hutt Blockhouse

Visit Upper Hutt Blockhouse as part of the Wellington Heritage Festival 2025.

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.

We will have some knowledgeable people available to share stories, answer questions and some light refreshments. Drop in between 11-1pm and stay as long as you like!