Visit Devonport New Zealand
The Seaside Suburb Worth Special Mention

Sandwiched between Mount Victoria and North Head, two extinct volcanoes, on the north shore outside Auckland, is New Zealand’s seaside suburb known as Devonport. The quaint wharf town has become popular with locals and North Shore City tourists visiting Auckland because of its many cafes, restaurants, and shops selling New Zealand gifts and antiques.

Regular ferry service runs the 15-minute ride every half hour daily between this port town and the central business district of Auckland. Devonport New Zealand, settled by Europeans in 1840, is one of the oldest areas on Auckland’s North Shore. Till this day it remains a primary naval base, named after an English naval town.

The most prominent shops and landmarks are located between the wharf and the one extinct volcano, Mt. Victoria. These include the wharf itself; recently restored seaside resort hotel Esplanade; library, bronze war memorial, Morton Bay fig trees, and 1950’s style bandstand that make up the King Edward Parade Reserve; and art deco style Victoria Cinema.

Just a ten minute stroll away from the waterfront village within Kind Edward Parade Reserve is also Masonic Tavern, one of New Zealand’s oldest taverns. The bar features 14 New Zealand beers on tap, Epic Pale Ale by the bottle, each packed with 15 hops, and smoky vanilla Erdinger Wheatbeer. Beer lovers will love the selection of microbrews with great harbor views.

Heritage military landmarks are found at the Forts of Victoria, Cautley, and Takapuna. Literary tourism can be found on the Writers Walk along the steep lower slopes of Mt. Victoria.

Day trips via ferry to Devonport from Auckland are popular with tourists and typically combine a visit up Mt. Victoria or military emplacements on nearby North Head with a meal in the wharf town before heading off on the return trip. Dinner with a view of Auckland night lights and a return ferry under a starry sky is another popular excursion.

Free outdoor shore concerts, with styles varying between jazz, classical, rock, funk, hip hop, blues, and local talent, are held in parks, beaches and reserves between January and March. Farmers markets take place bimonthly during January and February. Devonport is also known for its annual food and wine festival, held in February at Windsor Reserve.

The town supports numerous art galleries, shops, museums, folk music, and nearby attractions such as beaches, reserves, and volcano sites. Hostels, hotel, and B&B accommodations are plentiful in this charming seaside suburb. Don’t miss it on your New Zealand vacation!