Fort Ballance

Fort Ballance is a former coastal artillery battery located on Point Gordon on Wellington's Miramar Peninsula in New Zealand.

The fort was the premier fort in the Wellington area for 26 years (1885-1911) and was used by the military over a period of 60 years (1885-1945). The 1880s layout of Fort Ballance is largely unaltered, and a good impression of the original nineteenth-century fort remains. Fort Ballance is the largest of the military installations and is an excellent representative of the coastal fortifications that were constructed to protect New Zealand from naval attack. The fort was reoccupied for coastal defence in 1941 when two 4-inch MkVII guns (ex-HMS New Zealand) were removed from Fort Dorset and mounted on.

The fort is located at the entrance to Wellington Harbour, in Wellington's eastern suburbs, and is situated on the southeastern side of the city of Wellington. Fort Ballance is a popular tourist attraction in Wellington, New Zealand, and is a must-visit for history buffs. The fort is a great place to learn about the history of coastal defence in New Zealand and to see firsthand the technology used in the coastal defence network of the 1880s. Visitors can explore the fort and learn about its history through guided tours and exhibits. The fort is also a great place to take in the stunning views of Wellington Harbour and the surrounding area.

Overall, Fort Ballance is a fascinating historical site that is well worth a visit for anyone interested in the history of coastal defence in New Zealand. The fort is a great place to learn about the technology used in the coastal defence network of the 1880s and to see firsthand the impact of this technology on New Zealand's history. With its stunning views and rich history, Fort Ballance is a must-visit for anyone visiting Wellington, New Zealand.