Devonport

Our guide to the pretty seaside town of Devonport

Auckland's seaside suburb of Devonport can be found on the North Shore, the picturesque peninsula which forms the northern edge of the Waitemata Harbour.

The Royal New Zealand Navy has a well established base here and many Navy families consider themselves lucky to be living in such a beautiful part of New Zealand. Devonport is perhaps best known though for its harbour-side restaurants and cafes and is a magnet for tourists and Aucklanders alike.

The short 12 minute ferry trip from downtown Auckland often brings diners eager to sample the excellent seafood and superb New Zealand wines. At night, the return trip to Auckland is magical as the glittering city lights are at their best and the red-lit Sky Tower points the way home.

Day trippers will enjoy the wide variety of antique and boutique shops and no visit to Devonport is complete without a trip up Mount Victoria to marvel at the 360 views of the Waitemata Harbour and Auckland City. The military gun emplacements at North Head are also well worth a visit.

Places of note to see are the recently restored Esplanade Hotel and Windsor Reserve. The Victoria Cinema (The Vic), said to be the oldest theatre in continuous use in the southern hemisphere, often screens classic films. Pretty beaches include Cheltenham Beach and Narrow Neck Beach.
Devonport offers plenty of dining options. There are lots of cafes dotted along the high street with Manuka, Correlli's and Stone Oven Bakery well worth a visit. At the top of the high street, a range of restaurants include Indian, Vietnamese, Greek and Italian options. The Patriot pub is a popular place for lunches and dinners and a favourite of British expats seeking a 'proper pint'.

A walk along Marine Parade is a chance to soak up the beautiful views of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland skyline. It's also a chance to visit Torpedo Bay Navy Museum (free to enter) and learn about the history of the New Zealand Navy.
If you are on a short transit stop in Auckland, then a visit to Devonport is an ideal way to spend a day. To offer some ideas for your trip, our local expert has put together their 'ideal day out in Devonport'.