Devonport is a village to explore and there’s no better time to explore Devonport than in summer when the skies are clear, the seas are blue and the smiles on faces are as wide and bright as the horizon.
Devonport is a real holiday destination and it’s no surprise to see so many tourists jumping straight on a ferry upon arrival and finding their way to our relaxed and lovely shores.
This month I’d like to share some of the best things to do on a day trip to Devonport...
Explore the gun emplacements, military tunnels and take in the views on North Head / Maungauika:
Strategically located on a headland at the entrance to Auckland's harbour, North Head, or Maungauika, commands sweeping views over the Hauraki Gulf and its islands. It has a long history, first of Māori occupation, and then as a coastal fortification.
It is considered the most significant coastal defence site in New Zealand because of the size and variety of its defence installations, which span nearly 120 years and include elements from all periods of New Zealand's coastal defence history.
Learn and play at the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum:
The National Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy is the guardian of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s memory. This beautifully presented, interactive and thought-provoking museum is nestled at the base of North Head, boasting stunning city views. With a café and fantastic nautical-themed play ground for children, the museum is a real treasure to explore.
Enjoy boutique shopping along Victoria Road:
The establishment of a commercial area on lower Victoria Road was prompted by a ferry service connecting Devonport with the city and the development of a wharf and hotel at the foot of the street in the 1860s. By the 1880s Victoria Road had become the leading commercial centre of the North Shore. By the 1920s the western side of Victoria Road was lined with fine Victorian and Edwardian commercial pemises. Today Victoria Road has one of the most intact collections of Victorian and Edwardian commercial buildings in Auckland. Several of these buildings have been listed by Heritage New Zealand and the Auckland Council.
Sample sweetness at our chocolate factory:
Devonport Chocolates is our charming chocolate factory. Staying true to the traditions of Europe’s finest chocolatiers this family-run business blends traditional chocolate making with special flavours of the Pacific. A must-stop shop in Devonport village.
Explore Devonport by Segway:
What better way to explore Devonport than by segway. Join Pauline and her crew on a fantastic segway ride, taking in the views from the volcanic cones, the stunning gold-sands of Cheltenham beach, and through the heritage streets of Devonport.
Pack your beach bag and get set to relax:
The beaches that line the coast of Devonport's peninsula are some of the most stunning in all of Auckland. With lagoon-like waters that lap in shallow bays, golden sands and stunning outlooks, they are a true escape from the hustle and pace of city-life. Cheltenham, Narrow Neck or Torpedo Bay, hit one of these and you’ll have a one in three chance of finding me there.
Until next time,
Ngā mihi nui koutou,
Toni
