Fodor's Expert Review Taiaroa Head

Overlooking the albatross colony at Fort Taiaroa is the world's only restored Armstrong "Disappearing" Gun, a 6-inch-caliber artillery piece installed during the Russian Scare of 1886, when Russia was making hostile maneuvers through the Pacific. The gun was shot in anger only once, during World War II, when it was fired across the bow of a fishing boat that failed to observe correct procedures. Tours range from 30 to 90 minutes and can include albatross viewing, Fort Taiaroa, and an Albatross Insight presentation.