This panorama shows the strategic importance in the past of North Head. There are commanding views over Hauraki Gulf, the inner harbour and over to Ringatoto Island. as a result, disappearing guns were installed on North Head, and this panorama shows the view from the South Battery.

North Head South Battery - Auckland visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'North Head South Battery' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Greater Auckland.

North Head was an important military gunpost protecting Auckland in the past. The remains of several gun batteries are still present on North Head, now part of the North Head Reserve, and have become a tourist attraction for those visiting Devonport and North Shore. The South Battery covered the entrance to the inner harbour and the Hauraki Gulf.

North Head was just one of a number of coastal defences built in the late 1800s to defend Auckland from a feared Russian attack. The fort was later expanded as part of Auckland's coastal defence system during World Wars I and II. The guns and fort were dismantled in the 1950's. The gun at the South Battery still remains, and is very popular with children.

South from North Head, over the water, are Mission Bay and Okahu Bay. The coastline continues along to the CBD of Auckland where the ferries terminal is close to Princes Wharf and the Sky Tower rises above the other buildings. The view continues round to the east over Torpedo Bay and the rest of Devonport. The hill to the east is Mount Victoria volcano, another place that offers panoramic views over the coastline.

Ferry: From Ferry Building to Devonport Wharf
Bus: From Britomart Transport Centre with a change at Takapuna.