Sitting just across the bay from Auckland, the beautiful town of Devonport New Zealand makes for the perfect day trip. If you’re looking to escape the city this small town combines history with scenic views, and much more. So jump on the Auckland to Devonport Ferry with us as share fun tips, hike two dormant volcanoes, and explore the beautiful North Head Historic Reserve!
Auckland to Devonport Ferry
Time: 12-15 minutes
Schedule: Aukland to Devonport Ferry Times
Location: Auckland Downtown Ferry Terminal
Looking out across the ocean you’d think getting to Devonport New Zealand is quite the journey. However, on the Devonport Ferry you can literally be there within minutes! The terminal is located right in Auckland CBD and the tickets are affordable.
The boat runs every half hour on the weekdays, and every hour on Saturday and Sunday. If you’ve never taken one before, the ferry system in New Zealand is both quick and efficient. Additionally, the ride on the Auckland to Devonport Ferry will give you an amazing view of the city skyline!
Victoria Road in Devonport
After jumping off the Devonport Ferry, we took a stroll into town and ended up on the main street. On and around Victoria Road you’ll find great cafes, bars, restaurants, and bakeries. It’s small, but the old town of Devonport New Zealand has a certain charm to it.
We were drawn in by the colorful architecture and local feel of the neighborhood. Make sure to stop in at “Baked” in Devonport for a traditional meat pie! We enjoyed ours on the water, and it was a delicious snack before exploring more of Devonport.
Hiking the Devonport Volcanoes
If you’ve already spent time in Auckland you might have noticed that it’s literally surrounded by volcanoes! So it will come as no surprise that Devonport New Zealand has its own volcanic presence.
The two dormant mounds of North Head Historic Reserve and Mount Victoria will give you amazing views of not just the town, but also Auckland and the islands in the distance. Take your time and even consider bringing a picnic or bottle of wine to enjoy from the top.
North Head Historic Reserve
This fun hike is not far from Victoria Road and has multiple winding trails that lead to the summit. Even though hiking a dormant volcano is impressive enough in itself, it’s the rich naval history that is truly showcased at North Head Historic Reserve!
Choose to take one of the coastal trails that wrap around around the hill or do a self-guided tour through the military tunnels. North Head was originally used by the Maori as an important defense point. However, in 1888 the British began to build the tunnels and install unique cannons that pop up from holes in the mountainside.
They were first constructed out of fear of a Russian invasion and then reinforced during WWI and WWII. From the top of the North Head Historic Reserve you will have an amazing view of Mount Victoria with Auckland sitting behind it. Also, in the other direction you can see Rangitoto Island and Cheltenham Beach.
Mount Victoria Dormant Volcano
To be honest, you can’t see one volcano in Devonport New Zealand without seeing the other! Mount Victoria a steep 15 to 20 minute climb from town, and the picturesque views are worth every step.
It doesn’t have all the tunnels of North Head, but it does have a massive disappearing gun which was the last ones built in the country. Due to it being closer than the other Volcano to the harbor, Mount Victoria offers the best views of Devonport and the Auckland skyline.
Beautiful Devonport Beaches
Cheltenham Beach is known as the most stunning in Devonport, and for good reason! Locals and tourists flock to the golden sands for a swim, or day out from the city.
Due to its location on the opposite of the harbor, the water stays calm and crystal clear for swimming. Also, the 1.5 km walk from the ferry terminal will give you a chance to see some of the historic neighborhoods of this unique town.
Other popular beaches to visit include the nearby Torpedo Bay and Devonport Beach. These make taking the Auckland to Devonport Ferry worth it in itself on a hot summer day!
More Things to do in Devonport New Zealand
Torpedo Bay Navy Museum: Visit the National Museum and learn about the history of the New Zealand Royal Navy.
Explore the Old Neighborhoods: Stroll around Devonport and take in the stunning 19th century architecture.
Devonport Chocolates: Stop in the famous sweets store and enjoy some of the best chocolate in the country.
Have any questions on the Auckland to Devonport Ferry or want to share your own fun experiences from this town in New Zealand? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
Where To Stay In Auckland New Zealand
Ultra Luxury – Hilton Auckland – Located beautifully at the end of the Princess Wharf, this luxury hotel has everything you need to enjoy your stay in Auckland. Take in the sweeping views of the city harbor, dining at FISH restaurant, and an outdoor swimming pool during your visit.
Fun Vacation – Hotel Grand Windsor MGallery by Sofitel – Built in 1928, this boutique hotel in the heart of Auckland will be the perfect spot to explore the city’s best attractions from. All rooms come with Smart TV, high speed Wifi, and famous Queen Street right at your doorstep.
Hostel Life – Attic Backpackers – This backpackers sanctuary is located on the top floor of its building overlooking Wellesley Street. The laid back environment and knowledgable staff will make for a great stay, whether you choose the dorms or private room.
For more places to stay near Devonport New Zealand you can explore the latest prices here!
PIN FOR LATER ↓
New Zealand Travel Planning
Jucy Van: The best way to explore New Zealand is with a Jucy camper! We spent over six weeks driving around the North and South Islands in a van and loved every moment.
Rental Car: If you’re not renting a van you’ll need a car to see this country. We use Discover Cars when traveling and enjoy having the freedom to get around.
Flights: It’s easy to find cheap flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we got flights from Auckland to Queenstown for $40 USD, and New Zealand to Fiji for less than $150!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go to if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide to find activities all over New Zealand! They have everything from tickets to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves to a Hobbiton movie set tour, and even a Northland hole in the rock dolphin cruise!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for insurance the last few years and they are always there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
__________________________
North Island New Zealand
Travel Tips & Guides: 10 Helpful NZ Travel Tips – North Island Itinerary – South Island Itinerary – 25 Beautiful Beaches – Wellington to Picton Ferry – 15 Freedom Camping Tips – 27 Delicious Food & Drinks
Auckland & Northland: Piha Beach & Kitekite Falls – Cape Reinga Lighthouse – Russell – Mangonui – Mount Eden – Waiheke Island Guide – 9 Best Waiheke Wineries
Lake Taupo: 17 Fun Things to Do – Mount Tauhara Hike – Best Street Art – Taranaki Falls – Huka Falls Walk – 14 Tongariro Crossing Tips
New Plymouth: 10 Fun Things to Do – Dawson Falls – Te Rewa Rewa Bridge – Paritutu Rock Hike – Egmont National Park
Wellington: 10 Fun Things to Do – Mount Victoria Hike – Best Breweries – Cable Car & Botanical Gardens
Bay of Plenty: Tairua – Hot Water Beach – Cathedral Cove Walk – 8 Maunganui Things Not to Miss – Mount Maunganui Hike – East Cape Road Trip – How to Find Tua Tua Clams
Rotorua & Raglan: Kerosene Creek – Redwoods Treewalk – 8 Raglan Things to Do – Bridal Veil Falls
→ Explore all our South Island New Zealand Travel Tips & Guides
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
