Devonport (New Zealand)

Devonport was one of the earliest parts of Auckland settled by Europeans. It began as a farming and shipbuilding area, and subdivisions in the 1880s resulted in the large wooden villas being built which are very much part of the modern-day charm. It is the location of New Zealand's naval base and the Navy Museum.

• Devonport i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, Devonport Wharf, phone +64 9 365 9906. M-F 10AM-2PM, Sa Su 8AM-noon.
• Visit Devonport – tourist and holiday information site, providing visitor information about Devonport attractions and operators with inspiration for planning your trip to Devonport.

By road

Head north across the harbour bridge on the motorway. Take the Northcote off-ramp. Turn right, cross the motorway and follow the signs. Devonport is the next ward to the south of Takapuna.
It states to get off at Northcote - if coming from Auckland City the "Esmonde Road" offramp is the one to take.

By ferry

Take the 10-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.

• Devonport Museum

  phone: +64 9 445 2661
  address: 33A Vauxhall Rd, Cambria Reserve
  The museum is housed in the old Presbyterian Church and specialises in memorabilia pertaining to the history of Devonport.
• Devonport Village. Get straight off the ferry from downtown Auckland. Devonport is on a peninsula with views over the beautiful Waitemata Harbour. Very easy to explore on foot with an interesting Edwardian village-like atmosphere. Visit the many cafés, art galleries and shops.

• Torpedo Bay Navy Museum

  phone: +64 9 445-5186
  address: 64 King Edward Parade, Torpedo Bay
  The museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy. The collection documents New Zealand's rich naval heritage. There are displays of uniforms, ships, artifacts and naval memorabilia.

• Climb to the top of Mount VictoriaA fairly easy stroll along Kerr St. This is an ideal vantage point for spectacular views over the city and harbour. It is an extinct volcanic cone. Near the top is a disappearing gun which was installed in 1899 and was fired only once.

• Take a stroll around North Head

  address: Takarunga Road
  It's in Devonport located at the mouth of the Waitemata Harbour. It has stunning views over the Hauraki Gulf and inner harbour. Look out for the complex of tunnels, guns (including a disappearing gun from 1886) and other fortifications. Spending a day exploring the tunnels and having a picnic is strongly advised. North Head offers spectacular views of North Shore City, Auckland City, the harbour bridge and the volcanic island of Rangitoto.
• Take a Devonport Tour round the twin volcanoes with views from the summit and learn about the area's history. Two hours minimum. Phone 09 357 6366. Departs Auckland on the hour from 10AM until 3PM (both times inclusive) daily. You can leave the coach at any point and get picked up by the next tour so there is ample time to explore. $25 includes return ferry ticket, tour and time for coffee.
• Devonport Historic Walk, a pamphlet is available at the Visitor's Centre.

• Cheltenham BeachA safe, tidal beach and so is popular with families. It can be easily accessed from North Head. There is a grassed area for the kids to run around and for picnics.

• Devonport BeachIdeal for swimming with a pontoon not far from the beach. It is close to the main shopping centre. There is a children's playground nearby (next to the Public Library).

• Narrow Neck BeachThis is close to Devonport. Very popular and safe with a shop that sells ice creams, lollies etc. There is a playground for the kids and BBQ facilities are provided. Ideal for picnics.

• Walk the North Shore section of Te Araroa trailA 23-km coastal walking route which goes north to Browns Bay, Torbay and Long Bay.

• Devonport Chocolates

  address: 17 Wynyard St
  Home-made chocolates. Make your own selection or buy a pre-selected box. You can watch the chocolates being made through the viewing window.

• Janzart

  address: Bayswater
  Original, NZ handmade garden art - a unique gift for every occasion. find us at markets throughout Auckland. Visit the website to find out where & when.

• Torpedo Bay Cafe

  address: 64 King Edward Parade
  Cafe with waterfront views and outside tables

• McHughs

  address: 46 Cheltenham Road
  Restaurant which has a daily lunchtime buffet, but caters for functions in the evening. They are right on Cheltenham Beach.

• Beresford B&B Homestay

  phone: +64 9 445 3959
  address: 46A Beresford St, Bayswater
  Modern home in peaceful suburb. Close to ferry, bus, beaches, shopping, restaurants, theatres. Your own TV lounge, all mod cons and amenities.

• Esplanade Hotel

  phone: +64 9 445 1291
  address: 1 Victoria Rd
  City and sea views. One of the city's oldest hotels, now refurbished as a boutique hotel. Upmarket.

• Takapuna – if travelling by land, you will have to go there to leave Devonport