A charming Victorian seaside village a short, scenic ferry-ride across the harbour — with heritage streets, cafés, two little volcanic cones with the best views back to the skyline, and easy access to the North Shore's fine beaches. Relaxed, pretty and by the water; the base for travellers who want a village-and-beach feel with a lovely ferry commute and knockout city-and-harbour views, trading downtown convenience for seaside calm. A delightful, scenic alternative.
A look around
What you’ll be living next to. Swipe through.
NZ$190–320
typical per night in New Zealand
The sensible middle
Typical prices for Auckland — neither steal nor splurge.
Where it sits
The circle is Devonport & the North Shore and roughly a 10-minute walk around it.
How far is everything?
From the middle of this area to the city's headline sights — pick your own on the city page and these become your list.
- The Sky Tower10 min taxi3.4 km
- Auckland War Memorial Museum10 min taxi3.5 km
- The Viaduct & Wynyard waterfront10 min taxi3.5 km
- The Auckland Domain & Wintergardens11 min taxi3.6 km
- Ponsonby15 min taxi5.1 km
- Auckland food & Pasifika flavours15 min taxi5.1 km
- Mount Eden (Maungawhau)17 min taxi5.7 km
- Waiheke Island79 min taxi26.3 km
On your doorstep
What you’re living next to if you stay here.
- 4.Rangitoto Island — The perfect volcanic cone that defines Auckland's harbour view — Rangitoto, the youngest and largest of the city's volcanoes, erupted from the sea just 600 years ago. Take the short ferry across and hike up through eerie black lava fields and regenerating forest to the summit crater for a stunning panorama over the gulf and the city. A wonderful half-day of volcanic wilderness within sight of downtown; wear sturdy shoes and bring water. A dramatic, only-in-Auckland adventure.
- 5.The west-coast surf beaches — Barely an hour from downtown lie some of the country's most dramatic beaches — the wild, black volcanic-sand surf beaches of Piha, Karekare and Bethells on the rugged west coast, backed by the rainforest-clad Waitākere Ranges. Pounding surf, towering Lion Rock, moody cliffs and native bush make for spectacular walks, surfing and photography (swim only between the flags — the rips are fierce). A breathtaking, wild escape into nature so close to the city; a quintessential Auckland day out.
- 8.Devonport — A short, scenic ferry across the harbour lands you in Devonport, a charming Victorian seaside village of heritage villas, cafés, boutiques and bookshops — climb the two little volcanic cones (Mount Victoria and North Head) for the best possible views back across the water to the city skyline. The ferry ride itself is a delight, and the village makes a lovely, relaxed half-day of strolling, coffee and coastal views. A picture-perfect, easy escape from downtown. Charming and worth the trip.
When are you staying?
Booking.com & Airbnb open searched to Devonport & the North Shore; flights via Google Flights.