Take a ferry ride from Auckland city

Your big day out in Devonport: so much to see and do Getting to Devonport is part of the fun when you travel there by ferry. It’s only a ten minute trip from the Fullers terminal in downtown Auckland, but that picturesque voyage across the harbour makes you really feel like you’re leaving the hustle and bustle of the big city behind. Once you arrive at the Devonport Ferry Terminal, make a beeline for the Visitor Information Caravan (it’s in the terminal itself so you can’t miss it), where Devonport locals will answer any questions, provide insider tips to make your trip even more memorable, and provide lots of useful information about sights and activities.

Check the Fullers site for Ferry timetables. The Information Caravan is open 10am to 2pm daily.

Check out the shops and eateries on Victoria Road

Quick history lesson: Thanks to a ferry link being created between Devonport and Auckland city in the 1860s, Victoria Road grew to become the leading commercial centre of the North Shore. By the 1920s the western side of the road was lined with grand Victorian and Edwardian era commercial premises. 

Walk along Victoria Road today and you’ll see many of those buildings still there, restored to their former glory. They’re home to specialty shops you won’t find anywhere else in Auckland. There are craft shops and art galleries too. Plus for food and snack lovers, there’s a huge range of cafes, restaurants and eateries to satisfy any palette. Sit down and grab a bite before heading off to the sites, or stock up your hamper for a picnic in the park (or by the beach, or on a hill…) Return at the end of your big day out and have a relaxing meal before catching the ferry home. It’s all within a five minute stroll of the terminal.

Watch chocolates being made and indulge your sweet tooth at our chocolate factory

A day in Devonport isn’t complete for our kids without a trip to Devonport Chocolates (okay, confession time, we used to go there regularly before we even had kids). Located just behind the shops on Victoria Road, Devonport Chocolates gives you the chance to watch chocolatiers make their delicious confectionary by hand. And of course, there’s a wide range of chocolates and truffles for sale in the shop – perfect for gifts or to treat yourself.

The shop and small factory can be found on Wynyard Street. It’s open 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and 9.30am to 5pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It’s closed on Anzac Day, Christmas Day and some other public holidays.

Explore the forts and tunnels at Maungauika/North Head

Kids of all ages will love exploring the gun emplacements (including a “disappearing gun”), old military buildings and the maze of tunnels at the Maungauika/North Head Historic Reserve, which can be accessed from  Takarunga Road. The forts were originally built in the 1880s to ward off a potential Russian invasion (which of course, never happened). Buildings, emplacements and guns were added over the years. Thankfully they never saw any action. Today, the Reserve allows you to literally get into the thick of history – with some stunning scenery and sunny picnic spots as a bonus. 

There’s a free 20 minute movie continually playing in the old stone kitchen that tells you all about the history of the area. You can follow tracks down to Cheltenham Beach for a paddle or to explore the rock pools – and the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum (where you can find out even more about the area) is only a ten minute stroll. There’s plenty of free parking at the bottom or top of the hill. The vehicle gate is open in Summer from 6am – 8pm, and in Winter from 7am – 7pm. The pedestrian gate is open from 6am – 10pm in Summer and 7am – 8.30pm in Winter.

Learn about our naval heritage at the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum

My kids and I love making a package tour of Maungauika/North Head and the museum, visiting the tunnels and getting a bit of exercise, then walking down to the museum to look at all the amazing displays in air-conditioned comfort. There’s plenty of free parking both on-site and on the street if you’d prefer to drive.

Entry to the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum in Devonport is free for New Zealand residents (international visitors aged 18 and over pay just $10). Interactive displays and activities bring our naval heritage to life in a dramatic and emotive way. You’ll hear from veterans as they tell stories of endurance, courage, commitment and comradeship. 

The museum also runs fun activities in the school holidays. They’re a great way to keep the kids entertained, and provide them with some useful knowledge along the way. 

You can drive, catch a bus (the 807 bus from the Devonport Ferry Terminal) or take an easy 15 minute saunter along the boulevard from the Devonport town centre. There’s a café that serves beverages, snacks and light meals (including a great children’s menu), and a funky playground for the kids.

The museum is fully accessible for visitors with restricted mobility. It’s open 10am to 5pm seven days a week (except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday).

Catch a movie at The Vic Vintage Theatre and Cinema

The Vic is more than just a movie theatre – it’s the oldest purpose-built cinema still standing in the Southern Hemisphere, dating way back to 1912 when blockbusters had such titles as The Eternal Mother and The Belle of Bar-Z Ranch. 

This beautifully restored theatre is a much-loved community icon and popular with visitors who want to turn a night at the movies into a real night out. It operates as a live venue, cinema and bar and is home of the legendary Devonport Gelato (you don’t even need to watch a movie to have one).

Movies range from the latest blockbusters to arthouse and classics from the 1950s, 60s, 70s and more (and Cheap Tuesdays make the whole experience much more affordable). Speaking on affordable, The Vic and Fullers have teamed up to offer Ferry and Movie passes for $19 an adult or $12 a child!

There’s wheelchair access into the main foyer and Cinema 1.

As its name suggests, you’ll find The Vic on Victoria Road.

Walk to the summit of Takarunga/Mt Victoria

Here’s a handy way to burn off the delicious snack’s you’ll have indulged in while walking along Victoria Road. It’s just a ten to twenty minute uphill walk to the highest point in Devonport. This extinct volcano offers 360 degree views of the city and harbour – and a fascinating glimpse of the area’s past. It was once used by the Māori as a pa with its strong defensive position. More recently (well, if you call the late nineteenth century recent) it formed part of the defences against the threat of Russian invasion. You’ll still find some bunkers and a gun emplacement here along with remnants of the Kawerau tribe fortifications.

If you don’t fancy the walk, you can also drive up the hill. The entrance is off Kerr Street.

Take it easy on Cheltenham Beach

Devonport has a number of small sandy beaches along the boulevard facing Auckland city, as well as parks and playgrounds galore. But to enjoy a really classic Kiwi beach experience, take a fifteen minute stroll to Cheltenham Beach. There’s a lovely tree lined park with swings, a seesaw, and plenty of shade (and yes, there are rest rooms which are handy if you’re planning on staying a while). 

The long, gently curving, sandy beach is calm and shallow – great for a safe swim. There are takeaways nearby if you fancy fish and chips at the beach (which, strangely enough, my kids always do).

There are a few roads that provide access to the beach – the main one being Cheltenham Road.