ABOUT DEVONPORT – Visit Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand

12 great things to do just 12 minutes from downtown Auckland

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 08:10:10 +0000

A mere twelve minute ferry ride from Auckland’s CBD lies Devonport seaside village – a must see whilst in Auckland. The picturesque historic village boasts stunning views of Auckland city unseen from any other location and a number unique attractions.

1. Beautiful beaches

Devonport is home to a number of safe swimming beaches that are a perfect place to admire the stunning scenery. Sit back, relax, and if it’s warm take a refreshing dip in the ocean.

2. Boutique shops

Devonport high street is lined with a number of boutique shops. Browse book stores, fashion, home ware and arts; Devonport is the perfect place to find a gift or something special for you.

3. Self-guided audio tour

Take a walk around picturesuqe Devonport village and uncover its unique role in New Zealand’s history. Treat your eyes and ears to fascinating stories and awesome views from the waterfront, the side streets and the summit of Mount Victoria. Devonpor Audio Tours are available from the i-SITE Visitor Information Centre at Devonport Wharf.

4. Explore by segway

Try something a little different and explore the sights of Devonport on a Segway! Join Auckland’s only guided Segway tour and discover Devonport in a novel and exciting way.

5. Historic horse and cart rides

Step back in time and and explore Devonport on an authentic 1910 era vintage wagon pulled by three powerful Clydesdales. Town and Country Clydesdales depart from outside the Devonport Fery Terminal most days during summer and selected days throughout the year.

6. Mount Victoria look out

Stand at the top of the highest volcanic cone on Auckland’s North Shore and admire the magnificent 360⁰ views of Auckland and the Waitemata Harbour.

7. North head Historic Reserve

Explore a military tunnel complex at the most significant historical coastal defense site in New Zealand. North Head is perfect for history buffs and is an ideal picnic spot with beautiful views of the Auckland harbor.

8. Art galleries

Browse a selection of both traditional and contemporary Maori and New Zealand artworks at one of the many Devonport art galleries.

9. Victorian buildings and unique heritage

Devonport, one of the earliest settled areas of Auckland is rich in history with special links to the New Zealand navy. Whilst exploring Devonport you’ll see a number of beautiful Victorian buildings that are a feature of the area.

10. Victorian High Tea

Indulge yourself with a real Victorian High Tea at the Peace and Plenty Inn’s Heritage Victorian Villa. Dine upon home made scones, pastries, sandwiches and other delicious treats!

11. Tour Devonport by coach

Tour Devonport in the comfort of an Explorer Tour coaches and learn about Devonport’s unique history, architecture, parks and volcanoes. Devonport Tours offers two tour packages: The Explorer Tour and the Lunch Tour.

12. Naval Museum

The Torpedo Bay Navy Museum is a perfect place to learn about Devonport’s links with the New Zealand Navy. Take a tour from an expert guide, or get the children involved in the museum gallery activities; a perfect activity for adults and children alike. Free entry.

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Auckland’s best half-day or full-day trip excursion

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 02:50:19 +0000

If you have a short stay in Auckland and want to experience a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Devonport seaside village is the perfect choice. A mere 12 minute ferry ride will transport you to a small historic village on the north shore – a must see whilst visiting Auckland.

The ferry departs approximately every half hour (starting at 6:15am mon-sat & 7:15am sun) from the Auckland ferry terminal and returns to the city from the Devonport terminal also every half hour. The ferry is a short 12-minute ride with views of Auckland city and the Waitemata harbor.

Devonport is one of the earliest settled areas in Auckland and is characterized by its beautiful colonial architecture and stunning seaside scenery. Devonport is an area rich in history and has a long-standing affiliation with the New Zealand Navy. There are a number of historical sites that are easily reached by foot or if you have a whole day you could hire a bike to explore further afield.

The 45 minute Devonport waterfront walk is a perfect way to get a taste of Devonport’s unique history and admire a number of its’ iconic surroundings; including the Boer war Arch memorial, volcanic lava flows, a public execution site and the Torpedo Bay Naval Museum. This walk can be extended to include North Head Historical Reserve.

Devonport is home to two extinct volcanoes: North Head and Mount Victoria, which act as fantastic platforms for viewing the surrounding areas. North head historical reserve is a historical coastal defence site containing a military tunnel complex able to be explored by the public. It is also an ideal picnic spot with beautiful views of the Waitemata harbor. North Head can also be reached by an alternative mode of transport- the Segway! For those willing to try something a bit different a Segway is an exciting way to see the sights of Devonport, join a one or two hour guided tour and explore Devonport with the help of an expert guide.

After an hour or two of exploring, Devonport’s high street is the perfect place to stop for a meal or snack before returning to Auckland city. There are a number of cafés and restaurants with both kiwi and international cuisine to suit a variety of tastes. In the summer months sit outside and embrace the picturesque surroundings whilst enjoying your meal. The ferry terminal is a short 5-minute walk from high street to take you back to the city.

If you are lucky enough to have a day in Devonport continue your tour with a visit to the boutique shops that line Devonport’s high street. There are exclusive fashion and footwear boutiques, local and international jewellery designs, stunning gifts and homeware and artworks by both local and renowned kiwi artists. Devonport is the perfect place to find a gift or a special treat just for you.

After a stroll around high street a visit to Mount Victoria is a must. Mount Victoria is the highest volcanic cone on Auckland’s North Shore and provides a 360⁰panoramic view of Auckland city, the Waitemata harbor and Rangitoto Island. This unique view is unseen from any other location in Auckland.

At the end of a day of exploring what better way to relax and unwind then a drink and meal at one of Devonport’s’ restaurants or wine lounge. Try a delicious award winning New Zealand wine and sample fresh New Zealand cuisine all in the heart of Devonport.

For those looking for a place to stay overnight there are a range of accommodation types to suit all needs and budgets. There are beautifully restored Victorian Villa Bed and Breakfasts, boutique style hotels and motels, luxurious 4 & 5 star accommodation and self-catering options all to ensure you get a good night’s rest in Devonport.

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Auckland’s prettiest village – Devonport by the sea

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:13:58 +0000

Just 12 minutes by ferry from Auckland’s central business district and you’re a world away in beautiful Devonport. From the breathtaking sea and city views to the stunning beaches, boutique shopping, charming accommodation and café culture – it’s no wonder it’s rated one of the top spots to visit in Auckland .

Breathtaking panoramic views from Auckland’s top vantage spots

Devonport is located on a picturesque peninsula surrounded by the waters of the Waitemata Harbour. The two volcano cones boast some of the best look out points in Auckland. Walk, cycle, segway or take a mini bus tour to the summit of Mount Victoria and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Auckland city skyline and its stunning harbour. Visit North Head for jaw-dropping ocean views across to Rangitoto and the islands of the Hauraki gulf. You will also see why Auckland is called the City of Sails!

Charming seaside village vibe with boutique accommodation and shopping

Famous for its collection of beautifully restored Victorian villas, Devonport boasts a fabulous range of boutique accommodation in a relaxed seaside setting. Take a stroll around the charming village and enjoy Devonport’s unique shopping experience – from designer jewellery to Kiwi inspired gifts. Marvel at the creative masterpieces showcased at Devonport’s acclaimed art galleries.

Gastronomic delights for food and wine lovers

Foodies adore Devonport for its cafe culture and specialty foods – including Devonport’s famous chocolatiers. Treat your tastebuds to the culinary delights of darling Devonport at one of its popular eating establishments. Sample fine wines of New Zealand at one of the historic bars and pubs in the village.

Family fun in Devonport – hands-on-history, beaches and playtime!

Devonport is a popular spot for entertaining the whole family. Start by exploring Devonport’s naval history; investigate North Head’s old bunkers and tunnels, or visit the Navy Museum for a fun family outing. Devonport’s safe swimming beaches are also popular with families as well as the scenic grassy areas and playgrounds that are dotted around the area.

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Fascinating facts about Devonport

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 22:55:51 +0000

Did you know that Devonport was once an island? Named after the Devonport naval base in England – Devonport is home to the Royal New Zealand Navy. Famed for its collection of Victorian villas, Devonport also has the earliest purpose-built cinema that’s still in existence in the Southern Hemisphere.

Devonport’s foreshore is where the great Waka (Maori canoe) Tainui landed in the 14th century and also where the British Navy arrived in 1840. Three volcanic cones formed the key landmarks of Devonport – Mount Victoria, North Head and Mt Cambria. Mt Cambria was quarried away to provide garden walls, roading and ships ballast.

The first ferries travelling between Devonport and Auckland city started in the 1840s and were open sailing cutters taking passengers to Queen Street. In 1860 paddlesteamer ferries began operating on the route – superceded by double-ended, screw-driven ferries in 1904. Passenger and vehicle ferries were in use until the Auckland Harbour Bridge opened in 1959. Today Devonport is just a 12 minute ferry trip from downtown Auckland.

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Devonport’s festivals and events

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 22:56:22 +0000

Devonport hosts a fantastic range of world-class events and festivals throughout the year. It also boasts great vantage points for Auckland harbour events and the city’s New Year’s Eve fireworks displays.

Sports enthusiasts enjoy competing in the Devonport half marathon and Devonport is the starting point for the Auckland marathon. Littlies love the Santa Parade and the monthly Devonport Craft Market is popular with locals and visitors.

Mizuno Devonport Half Marathon – September

A scenic run or walk around beautiful Devonport – choose 5 distances 21 km, 15 km, 10 km, 5 km, 2 km.

The Coastal Classic Yacht Race – October
New Zealand’s premier fleet yacht race from Devonport Wharf to Russell Wharf in the Bay of Islands – has been held annually on Labour weekend since 1982.

Auckland Marathon – October

It’s an early start in picturesque Devonport for runners in the Auckland marathon – held annually in October.

NZ Sculpture on Shore – November

A stunning collection of sculptures on show at Fort Takapuna – exhibition is held alternate years and supports NZ Women’s Refuges. NZ Sculpture on Shore celebrated its 10th biennial exhibition in 2014. Next event November 2020.

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