10 Best Things To Do In Devonport, NZ

Clare
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 3 min read
things to do in devonport nz

If you’re exploring life in New Zealand and want to check out a relaxing, local town, look no further than Devonport! Just across the bay from Auckland, this small town is the perfect day trip from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Filled with gorgeous views, tons of activities, and a rich history and culture, Devonport is an excellent place to spend the day. A simple ferry ride across the water will take you to the town in no time, and you can pick and choose from the myriad of activities Devonport has to offer. From enjoying the water on the beach or learning about the history of New Zealand to relaxing at high tea, here are the top ten things to do in Devonport, New Zealand.

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1. Head to the beach

Auckland, Devonport, Cheltenham Beach (1)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michal Klajban used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Looking to just relax and tan? Look no further than Cheltenham Beach! Take the scenic walk from the ferry to enjoy the beautiful views along the shoreline, tan on the soft sand beaches, and cool off in the ocean. There’s even a grassy area and playground to watch your children play or enjoy a nice picnic by the sea.

Cheltenham Beach

Address: Cheltenham Beach, 0624, New Zealand

Website: Cheltenham Beach

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2. Head to a museum

Deck gun from Japanese submarine I-1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nick-D used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Want to cool off from the heat and learn about the history of Devonport? Devonport’s Torpedo Bay Navy Museum is a perfect way to learn about the town’s naval and maritime history. You can even grab a guide and have an incredibly informative tour of the museum, either as a walk-in or by pre-booking!

Torpedo Bay Navy Museum

Address: 64 King Edward Parade, Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand

Website: Torpedo Bay Navy Museum

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3. Go on a hike

North Head, New Zealand
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Follash used under CC BY-SA 3.0

With Devonport’s lush environment, it’s no wonder a perfect day hiking around the town would be great for any active traveler. Regarded as an important site of New Zealand’s coastal defense system, especially against a feared attack of Russia, the North Head Historical Reserve Trail is a great way to spend a day. Pick from a myriad of trails and see the islands of the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto and the various types of defenses placed on North Head to protect Auckland.

North Head Historical Reserve Trail

Address: North Head Historic Reserve Trail, Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand

Website: North Head Historical Reserve Trail

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4. Maritime fun

Devonport Wharf Head-On 01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ingolfson used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Being by the ocean means having so many water activities! Go for a swim, kayak, surf, fish, and explore in this seaside town. Check out Devonport Wharf for the perfect fishing spot. Devonport Wharf is also the drop-off/pick-up location for the ferry that goes directly to Auckland, so this is the perfect activity if you are looking to do something immediately once you arrive in Devonport, or a last activity before leaving. Either take a boat tour or just the ferry ride over!

Devonport Wharf

Address: 2 Queens Parade, Devonport, Auckland 0624, New Zealand

Website: Devonport Wharf

Fullers Ferries

Address: Pier 1 Ferry Terminal, 99 Quay Street, Auckland, New Zealand

Website: Fullers Ferries

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5. Experience art!

The Bunker, Mt Victoria, Auckland
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Avenue used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Devonport has a rich culture of artists and creative pursuits! Stop by the Flagstaff Gallery and take in beautiful works of art and support a local artist and business. Or, listen to live folk music at the famous “Bunker” on Mt. Victoria. Monday nights only, the doors open at 7:30pm for an 8pm start!

Flagstaff Gallery

Address: 30 Victoria Road, Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand

Website: Flagstaff Gallery

The Bunker

Address: The Bunker, Mt. Victoria, Devonport, New Zealand

Website: The Bunker

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6. Play a round of golf

Golf Club
Source: Needpix

Waitemata Golf Club in Devonport is the perfect spot to work on your putting, driving and all the fun that golf has to offer in an incredible location, designed like a park with easy walking paths from hole to hole or golf cart and affordable prices for a round of 9 or 18 holes.

Waitemata Golf Club

Address: 15 Derby Street, Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand

Website: Waitemata Golf Club

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7. High tea

Tea
Source: Pxfuel

Spend a relaxing afternoon at The Peace and Plenty Inn for a traditional Victorian High Tea. Grab your hat and gloves and head to the restored Victorian style villa to have tea, small sandwiches and snacks. Booking in advance is recommended and tea is served on Saturdays and Sundays between 12:00pm to 4:00pm. A perfect afternoon to spend with family and friends.

High Tea at The Peace and Plenty Inn

Address: 6 Flagstaff Terrace, Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand

Website: High Tea at The Peace and Plenty Inn

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8. Shopping! Obviously!

Bookstore
Source: Needpix

Looking to lighten your wallet? Devonport’s shops are an excellent place to buy that souvenir or gift for a friend or family member. Or, make your way to a small gem of the town, Bookmark, where you can find second hand, rare and used books from over 20,000 volumes!

Bookmark Bookstore

Address: 15 Victoria Road, Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand

Website: Bookmark

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9. Take a stroll

Devonport New Zealand banner view from a ferry
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user AlasdairW used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Devonport has so many different trails and walks to choose from, whether you’re looking for a historical trail or a walk through the downtown area, this is a place where your walking shoes will be put to work! Check out the Devonport Waterfront Walk or the Devonport Military History Trail, both you can do on your own as you stroll through town.

Devonport Waterfront Walk

Address: Devonport, Auckland 0624, New Zealand

Website: Devonport Waterfront Walk

Devonport Military History Trail

Address: Devonport, Auckland 0624, New Zealand

Website: Devonport Military History Trail

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10. Take a tour

Devonport auckland
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Popsracer used under CC BY-SA 3.0

One of the best ways to get a feel for a new place is by taking a tour. Whether it is by foot, boat, or even segway, choose from a myriad of Devonport’s options of tours to see and learn about this amazing town.

Magic Broomstick Segway Tours

Address: Shop 9, Devonport Ferry Terminal, Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand

Website: Magic Broomstick Segway Tours

Devonport Tours

Address: Devonport, Auckland 0624, New Zealand

Website: Devonport Tours

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Become a "daytripper" in Devonport!

If you’re looking for a wonderful day-trip while visiting Auckland, New Zealand, look no further than Devonport. Grab a ferry in Auckland and head over to the small town in less than a half-hour, and spend time in this quaint, historic town. Pick from multiple options on how to spend your day: a relaxing day at the beach, walking through the historical grounds, or shopping in the downtown area; Devonport is the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of a large city, and enjoy the finer things in life!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Clare Fitzgerald is a recent graduate of Franklin and Marshall College where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and an honors Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. She continues to pursue...Read more

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