Spotlight on: Devonport

Just 12 minutes by ferry from central Auckland, Devonport packs an impressive amount into one small peninsula. There are two maunga (mountains) to climb, beaches for swimming, military history to explore and a village centre filled with cafés, restaurants, galleries and independent shops.

Arrive by Fullers360 ferry and most of Devonport’s highlights are within walking distance. Come over for a few hours, spend the day working your way from summit to beach, or stay for dinner and sunset over the harbour.

What are the best things to do in Devonport?

Start with the village, then follow the geography.Takarunga Mount Victoria rises behind the main street, while Maungauika North Head sits at the end of the peninsula overlooking the harbour. Between them you’ll find heritage streets, Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, Cheltenham Beach and plenty of good spots for something to eat.

Eat your way around Devonport

Devon on the Wharf occupies a prime spot in the terminal building, with Turkish and Mediterranean-inspired dishes and front-row views of the harbour.

Up Victoria Road, Mānuka Restaurant has been feeding locals and visitors for over 30 years, with a menu that covers everything from breakfast to dinner. Vondel offers something a little more adventurous with creative plant-based dishes, although meat lovers are catered for here too.

Fancy a change of cuisine? Cafe Hung Viet serves up the flavours of Vietnam, from steaming bowls of pho to crispy bánh xèo, while Go Goa Eatery brings a taste of India’s west coast to Devonport with fragrant curries.

Grab a coffee or treat

There’s no shortage of good coffee in Devonport. Corelli’s Café has been part of Victoria Road for years, with a relaxed atmosphere and home-style fare. On Wynyard Street, Lily Eatery is known for its inventive brunch dishes and excellent baking, while Dulcie, overlooking the harbour, is a lovely spot to settle in for breakfast with a view.

For something a little different, head to Stone Oven, tucked inside a charming 100-year-old Art Deco building. It’s a great family-friendly stop, with a large playpen for little ones while parents enjoy a coffee and something to eat.

For coffee straight from the source, visit Chiasso Coffee Roasters. This family-owned roastery has been sourcing and roasting coffee since 1997, with decades of experience going into the beans.

Devonport Chocolates has been making chocolates by hand for more than 30 years. There’s a window into the kitchen where you can watch the chocolatiers at work, surrounded by shelves of truffles, chocolates and other handmade treats for taking home.

Explore the village and shop local

Victoria Road is Devonport’s main shopping strip, with independent boutiques, gift shops, bookshops and local businesses filling its heritage storefronts. 

On Clarence Road, Depot Artspace hosts contemporary exhibitions and creative events, with a strong focus on local artists and Auckland’s creative community. Newton Andrews Gallery takes a different direction, specialising in original antique prints, maps, early New Zealand works and historic photography.

Then there’s The Vic, Devonport’s heritage cinema and a local landmark in its own right. Catch a new release or independent film, check the programme for live performances and special events, or simply admire the beautifully restored 1912 building as you wander past.

Get outdoors in Devonport

You’ll see Takarunga Mount Victoria rising behind the village almost as soon as you step off the ferry. At 66 metres, it’s the highest maunga on Auckland’s North Shore, with views across the harbour, city skyline and Rangitoto Island.

Takarunga is also a Tūpuna Maunga and former Māori pā, with historic terraces and storage pits still visible. Later it became part of Auckland’s coastal defences, and one of the world’s few remaining disappearing guns can still be found here. Pick up fish and chips in the village before you climb to the summit for lunch with a view.

Back at sea level, follow King Edward Parade around the waterfront towards Maungauika North Head. Māori used the maunga as a settlement and defensive site before it became one of Auckland’s major coastal fortifications in the late 1800s. You can still see gun emplacements and other military structures across the reserve.

Continue around the coast to Cheltenham Beach, a long sandy beach looking directly across to Rangitoto. It’s a popular spot for swimming, walking or spreading out a picnic beneath the pōhutukawa.

A bike is another good way to cover more of the peninsula, taking you past heritage houses, village streets and beaches. For a longer ride, the family-friendly Green Route runs from Devonport towards Takapuna Beach via parks, quiet streets and mangroves.

Hidden gem: For a swimming spot that’s much easier to miss, head to Stanley Point. Look for the public staircase tucked between the houses around 60A Stanley Point Road and follow it down to a small beach cove below – bring a picnic or go for a dip if the tide is in your favour.

Discover Devonport’s history and culture

At the foot of Maungauika, Torpedo Bay Navy Museum traces New Zealand’s naval history through photographs, artefacts, models and personal stories.

For the local story, visit Devonport Museum in Cambria Reserve. Housed in a former Presbyterian church, its collection traces the area’s Māori and European history, maritime connections and changing community through photographs, documents and everyday objects.

It’s also worth paying attention to the buildings as you explore. Devonport has one of Auckland’s strongest collections of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, with heritage villas, cottages and commercial buildings giving the neighbourhood much of the character you see today.

Devonport after dark

Don’t rush home after an afternoon at the beach. Stay for dinner at Vondel or Mānuka Restaurant, grab a waterfront table at Devon on the Wharf, or see what’s screening at The Vic.

For sunset, head back towards the waterfront or make your way up Takarunga Mount Victoria for views across the city and harbour. Check seasonal access hours before heading up late.

Make a day of it

Take the morning Fullers360 ferry from central Auckland and start with coffee in the village before exploring Victoria Road and the local galleries. From there, walk up Takarunga Mount Victoria, then return to the village for lunch or pick up fish and chips for a picnic.

Spend the afternoon walking along King Edward Parade to Torpedo Bay Navy Museum and Maungauika North Head, then continue to Cheltenham Beach for a swim or walk along the sand.

Head back through the village for a chocolate stop, early dinner or drink before catching the ferry back across the harbour.

What’s on in Devonport?

The Devonport Market brings local makers, food stalls, produce and entertainment to Windsor Reserve during its summer series. 

DEPOT Artspace runs changing exhibitions, artist talks, workshops and creative events throughout the year.

In December, the Devonport Christmas Festival takes over the neighbourhood. The 2026 festival runs from 5-6 December, with Jingle in the Park, the Santa Parade, Christmas markets and family entertainment.

And in January it’s time to get your groove on at Sunsetter Festival 2027 with a curated lineup of world-class international and local artists, leading wineries and breweries, spirits and cocktail creators, top eateries and food vendors, and spectacular performers and more.

How do you get to Devonport?

From central Auckland, the ferry is the quickest – and most scenic – option. Services leave from the Auckland Ferry Terminal and take around 12 minutes, arriving right at the bottom of Victoria Road. You can also reach Devonport by road or bus from elsewhere on the North Shore.