Thing to do
Rangitoto Island
Auckland's youngest volcano, a short ferry ride from the city, with a summit walk over lava fields, lava caves and the world's largest pōhutukawa forest.
Devonport and Maungauika / North Head
Seaside village 12 minutes by ferry from the city, with heritage streets, two volcanic cones, military tunnels at North Head and sheltered beaches.
At a glance
- Type
- Heritage village and volcanic headland
- Area
- Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand
- Official site
- aucklandnz.com
Good to know
- Ferry access
- Military tunnels
- Beaches
- Shops and galleries
Why we recommend it
Devonport is a harbourside suburb on the North Shore, and the 12-minute ferry ride from downtown makes it one of the easiest half-day outings in Auckland. The village combines heritage streets, two volcanic cones with views back to the city, and calm beaches. It can also be reached by bus or in about 20 minutes by car.
Victoria Road, leading up from the wharf, is lined with places to eat, gift shops, boutiques and fine-art galleries. The Vic is a heritage cinema, and at Devonport Chocolates you can watch the chocolatiers at work. On the second Sunday of each month the Devonport Craft and Fine Food Market brings local stalls to the village.
Maungauika / North Head became a public reserve in 1878, and from 1885, during fears of a Russian attack, it was fortified with three gun batteries. Convict labourers spent around 25 years extending the defences with tunnels, underground storerooms and observation posts. The guns were never fired in combat, and one of the old disappearing guns remains. Much of the tunnel network is open to the public, so bring a torch. The headland is a Category I historic place and is now administered by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority.
Takarunga / Mount Victoria is the other cone, closer to the village, with views along the coastline and remnants of pā terracing and food storage pits. Devonport has three former Māori pā sites in all. Below North Head, the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum covers New Zealand's naval history, and the Tainui waka is said to have landed near Torpedo Bay.
For beaches, Devonport has Cheltenham Beach and Narrow Neck Beach, and there is a small cove at Stanley Point reached by a staircase from Stanley Point Road.
A good plan is to take the ferry over in the morning, walk up Takarunga, continue to North Head to explore the tunnels, then return to Victoria Road for lunch. Allow three to four hours. The village suits families, history enthusiasts and anyone wanting a gentle walk with harbour views, and it can be combined with a Waiheke ferry, some of which call at Devonport.
Devonport and Maungauika / North Head FAQs
How long is the ferry to Devonport?
About 12 minutes from the downtown ferry terminal.
Can you go into the tunnels at North Head?
Yes, much of the tunnel network is open to the public. Bring a torch.
What is the history of North Head?
It was fortified from 1885 during the Russian scare, and the defences were extended over about 25 years. The guns were never fired in combat.
Which hill has the best view?
Both Takarunga / Mount Victoria and Maungauika / North Head have views over the harbour and city.
Is there a museum in Devonport?
Yes, the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, which covers New Zealand's naval history.
Are there beaches in Devonport?
Yes, including Cheltenham Beach and Narrow Neck Beach.
Is there a market?
The Devonport Craft and Fine Food Market runs on the second Sunday of each month.
How long should you allow?
Three to four hours covers both volcanic cones, the tunnels and lunch in the village.