Whaler Island is the third most populated island in New Zealand, situated 21.5 km from Eden City in the Northwind Gulf. Renowned for its exclusive appeal, the island boasts serene beachside communities, world-class wineries, and richly preserved historical sites. Accessible only by ferry, helicopter, or seaplane, Whaler Island remains a haven of sophistication and tranquility.
Roughly one-third of Whaler Island is privately owned by The Successors, an elite gentleman's society that plays a significant role in maintaining the island's security and protecting it from the poor, homeless, gang violence, and unchecked real estate development.
Locations
Gateway
Gateway is a highly secure terminal located on the mainland, serving as the only official entry point to Whaler Island. Nestled between a pristine valley and its surrounding hills, Gateway offers a stunning view of the gulf while operating as the critical checkpoint for all ferries, helicopters, and seaplanes bound for the island.
Whaler Vineyards
The Whaler Vineyards stand as a jewel of viticulture, renowned for their breathtaking landscapes and an unparalleled reputation for excellence. Blessed with a dry, warm mesoclimate, this prestigious wine-growing region is home to meticulously cultivated French red grape varieties, including Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as refined white grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.
However, behind the region's prestige lies a darker truth. The Successors have turned Whaler Island into the epicenter of an elaborate wine fraud operation. Using their control over vineyards and distribution networks, the Successors produce counterfeit "ancient" wines, passing them off as rare and valuable vintages to wealthy buyers across the globe. Meanwhile, the real bottles are reserved for their own elite gatherings, furthering their image as untouchable moguls.
Whaler Golf Club
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The Gallopers
The Gallopers is a clandestine private military training facility hidden deep within the scenic expanse of Whaler Island. Operating under the guise of an equestrian estate, the "horses" are, in reality, ex-Merryweather mercenaries, now repurposed as elite instructors for soldiers and private contractors.
Eden Castle
Eden Castle is a Gothic Revival castle located in the eastern part of Whaler Island. Built in 1839 by a British colonial administrator as his residence, the castle was purchased by The Successors sometime around the 1920s and has since become their headquarters. It consists of two connected two-story structures with an accessible rooftop.
The Chamber is open to guests and is typically used for public meetings and formal events. Meanwhile, the Clubhouse is restricted to club members and serves as the organization's administrative center.
Beneath the castle is rumored to be a doomsday vault, which was once connected to Fort Rocky. The only known entrance to this underground structure is a metallic door located within the Clubhouse.
Fort Rocky
Fort Rocky is a historic defense installation located on the northwestern tip of Whaler Island, constructed during World War II as part of New Zealand's coastal defense strategy. Built to protect Eden Castle and Eden City from potential Japanese sea-based assaults, the fort was a key stronghold designed to withstand prolonged attacks.
The fort's most remarkable feature is its vast tunnel network, which stretches across the entirety of Whaler Island. This intricate system was strategically constructed to allow soldiers to move safely between firing positions, ammunition depots, and command posts without fear of overhead bombardment. Carved through the island's volcanic basalt terrain, the tunnels ensured that defensive operations could continue seamlessly, even under heavy enemy fire.
Over time, however, much of this vast tunnel network has been forgotten. As the threat of invasion faded and Fort Rocky was decommissioned, sections of the tunnels were abandoned, sealed off, or simply lost to time. Now, only parts of the system are known, with rumors of hidden passageways and unexplored chambers sparking the curiosity of adventurers. The forgotten labyrinth remains an enigma, its dark corridors holding echoes of the island's wartime past.
Gangs, Groups, and Organizations
The Successors
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Trivia
- Whaler Island is based on Waiheke Island.