Top Things to Do.

Arrive by ferry

With regular sailings from downtown Auckland, visiting Devonport by ferry is the best way to arrive. The seaside village appears across the Waitemata Harbour like a dazzling jewel in the Auckland Crown, as guests are welcomed by the majestic sight of the Esplanade Hotel rising up nearby the water's edge. This ten minute ferry ride helps visitors to shake off the hustle and pace of the city experience and sink into the Devonport village charm with ease. Find the ferry timetable here. 

Visit the Information Caravan

Find out about all things to do in Devonport by visiting our locally operated information caravan where passionate volunteers enjoy sharing their insider knowledge of the place they love to call home. Here you can sit down, log onto the free wifi and plan your stay with quality guidance. 

The caravan operates between 10am - 2pm daily and can be found inside the Ferry Terminal.

Jump on the Explorer Bus

Running every day of the year except for Christmas Day, the Explorer tour departs hourly from the Devonport Wharf. In just one hour you can stand on two volcanic cones, see the charm of historical Devonport and enjoy unsurpassed views of the Auckland region. See Maori pa sites on both Mt Victoria and North Head, and the interesting network of tunnels and forts on North Head. Please don't forget your camera (voted best views over Auckland). See more here. 

Take in a show at The Vic Vintage Theatre & Cinema

The Vic is the oldest purpose-built cinema building still standing in the Southern Hemisphere. Operating today as a live venue, cinema and bar, and home of Devonport Gelato, the theatre is a much-loved community icon that has been frequented and adored by generations of Devonport locals. The Vic and Fullers have teamed up to offer Ferry & Movie passes for $19 an adult or $12 a child. Find out what's on here.

Explore the gun emplacements, military tunnels and take in the views on North Head/Maunguika

Strategically located on a headland at the entrance to Auckland's harbour, North Head, or Maunguika, commands sweeping views over the Hauraki Gulf and its islands. It has a long history, first of Māori occupation, and then as a coastal fortification. 

It is considered the most significant coastal defence site in New Zealand because of the size and variety of its defence installations, which span nearly 120 years and include elements from all periods of New Zealand's coastal defence history. Find out more about its history here.

Learn & play at the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum

The National Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy is the guardian of the Royal New Zealand Navy’s memory. Preserving the Navy’s physical, social and cultural heritage, telling its story and educating all visitors about the role the Navy has played in the development of New Zealand. This beautifully presented, interactive and thought-provoking museum is nestled at the base of North Head, boasting stunning city-views. With a cafe and fantastic nautical-themed play ground for children, the museum is a real treasure to explore. See more here.

Enjoy boutique shopping along Victoria Road

The establishment of a commercial area on lower Victoria Road was prompted by a ferry service connecting Devonport with the city and the development of a wharf and hotel at the foot of the street in the 1860s. By the 1880s Victoria Road had become the leading commercial centre of the North Shore. By the 1920s the western side of Victoria Road was lined with fine Victorian and Edwardian commercial premises. Today Victoria Road has one of the most intact collections of Victorian and Edwardian commercial buildings in Auckland. Several of these buildings have been listed by Heritage New Zealand and the Auckland Council.

Sample sweetness at our chocolate factory

Devonport Chocolates is our charming chocolate factory, squeezed between a volcano and a naval base. Staying true to the traditions of Europe’s finest chocolatiers this family-run business blends traditional chocolate making with special flavours of the Pacific. A must-stop shop in Devonport village. Find out more here. 

Unearth Devonport's stories and treasures at Devonport Museum

Nestled amongst the stone walls and lush landscapes of Cambria Reserve stands our adorable Devonport Museum. Specialising in the history and memorabilia of Devonport the museum is a 15 min walk from the ferry terminal. Open Tues-Thurs 10-12noon, and weekends 12-4pm.  Find out more here. 

View photographs of Devonport held in Auckland Libraries' heritage collections.

Explore Devonport by Segway

Devonport is a village to explore and there's no better way to do it than by Segway. Join Pauline and her crew on a fantastic segway ride, taking in the views from the volcanic cones, the stunning gold-sands of Cheltenham beach, and through the heritage streets of Devonport.  Find out more here.

Experience art at the Depot

A well-loved landmark in Devonport for over 20 years, DEPOT is home to a thriving creative ecosystem of artists and creators, including sound studios and artist development programs. The gallery holds street-side prominence, hosting regular exhibitions, showcasing both established and emerging artists. Come and visit this relaxed and welcoming art space and keep an eye on our website for current and upcoming exhibitions, talks and events. Find out more here.

Enjoy fine dining at the seaside

Devonport presents a fantastic range of food options, from fine dining to high tea, to pub meals and pints, or fish-n-chips by the sea. Indian, Vietnamese, Italian and vegan; our restaurants and cafes will certainly meet the tastes of the most discerning of diners. Find out more here.