Devonport

Devonport is a seaside suburb on the North Shore of Auckland in New Zealand, directly across the harbour from central Auckland. This article also covers Bayswater.

Understand

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.

Visitor information

• There is a local information centre in a caravan inside the building on the ferry pier. It is usually open 10AM-2PM, and brochures may be available at other times.

Get in

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.

To get off at Akoranga: 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.

See

• 1 Devonport Museum, 33A Vauxhall Rd, Cambria Reserve, ☏ +64 9 445 2661, info@devonportmuseum.org.nz. Tu-Th 10AM-noon, Sa Su 2–4PM. The museum is housed in the old Presbyterian Church and specialises in memorabilia pertaining to the history of Devonport. Admission is free but a small donation is appreciated.. 
• 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.
• 2 Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, 64 King Edward Parade, Torpedo Bay (15 min walk along the foreshore from the Devonport Ferry Terminal), ☏ +64 9 445-5186, fax: +64 9 445-5046. 10AM–5PM daily except Good Friday and 25–26 Dec. 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. Free for NZ residents, $10 for visitors. 
• 3 Climb to the top of Mount Victoria. A 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. (updated Oct 2015)

Do

• 1 Take a stroll around North Head, Takarunga Road. It's in Devonport 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. ☏ +64 9 357 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.
• 2 Cheltenham Beach. A 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. 
• 3 Devonport Beach. Ideal 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). 
• 4 Narrow Neck Beach. This 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 Trail. A 23-km coastal walking route which goes north to Browns Bay, Torbay and Long Bay. (updated Jun 2020)

Buy

• Devonport Chocolates, 17 Wynyard St, toll-free: 0800 002462 (NZ only), fax: +64 9 445 6040, info@devonportchocolates.co.nz. 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 (formerly Citrus T'Arts), Bayswater, ☏ +64 9 445 9575, janzart@hotmail.co.nz. 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. 

Eat

• Torpedo Bay Cafe, 64 King Edward Parade (in the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum). Daily 8AM - 5PM. Cafe with waterfront views and outside tables Mains around $15. (updated Mar 2015)
• McHughs, 46 Cheltenham Road. Restaurant which has a daily lunchtime buffet (Tu-Sa noon-2PM), but caters for functions in the evening. They are right on Cheltenham Beach. Hot buffet from $40. (updated Dec 2023)

Sleep

• Esplanade Hotel, 1 Victoria Rd, ☏ +64 9 445 1291, fax: +64 9 445 1999, reservations@esplanadehotel.co.nz. City and sea views. One of the city's oldest hotels, now refurbished as a boutique hotel. Upmarket. From $290. 

Go next

• Rangitoto Island – volcanic island and nature reserve, accessible by direct ferry from Devonport
• Takapuna – if travelling by land, you will have to go there to leave Devonport