A month or so back I bought myself an e-bike, from our local supplier Think Electric on Lake Road.
I had previously tried one out at a Bike Devonport event and knew that this was the future of transport in Auckland. Not only is it economic, efficient, good for the environment and for me, it’s also the epitome of fun. As a local resident, and a person who works in the village, I honestly can’t think of a better mode of transport for getting around.
Not long after, a friend and I took our e-bikes to Waiheke Island for a tour of the vineyards and when we came home on the ferry, when arriving into Devonport I got that swell of pride in my chest as the iconic Esplanade Hotel came into view through gaps in the phoenix palms. You actually don’t get a better place to live and work than Devonport and it’s clear to me why so many international visitors jump across from the CBD to explore our village.
You see, for those of you who may not have popped in for a while, Devonport is a genuinely unique destination. Dating from the mid-1800s, it’s one of Auckland’s most historically authentic villages. A place where time slows down, where elegant Victorian buildings house unique boutique shops, and the many cafés and restaurants offer relaxed and consistently delicious dining experiences.
Māori history goes back to the mid-14th century and the three maunga (mountains), Takarunga (Mount Victoria) Maungauika (North Head) and Takararo (Cambria Reserve), were originally used as Māori pā sites (fortified villages). Takarunga remains an important icon for locals as it stands sentinel at the top of the village and you can still see its lava flows on Devonport Beach. A short climb to the summit offers magical 360 degree views encompassing Auckland City, the sparkling Waitemata Harbour, Devonport Peninsula, the Gulf Harbour and our much loved Rangitoto island.
Maungauika (North Head) is riddled with military tunnels, connecting bunkers and empty gun emplacements, and the rumours of old dismantled aeroplanes hidden in secret tunnels still persist to this day.
Originally an island, Devonport used to be joined to the mainland by a slim causeway which we all know as Narrow Neck Beach (local Māori originally named it Kiritai – meaning “skin of the ocean”). This was reclaimed land later, allowing for the building of another road and a horse racing course, which today is the Waitemata Golf Course – the closest golf course to Auckland’s CBD.
So next time you’re at a loss for something to do, come and explore Devonport, learn about the history, climb our volcano, cast your eyes across the land, and prepare to fall in love.
Until next time,
Toni van Tonder
