A tramway used to run the length of this very trail from Victoria Wharf along what is now King Edward Parade. However, today the best way to explore this area is by foot.

Devonport ferry wharf

The walk begins at the Devonport ferry wharf; New Zealand’s longest running ferry service. The service began in 1854 using sail and oar powered whale boats and has become an invaluable mode of transport for commuters and visitors alike.

Esplanade hotel

To your left you will see the Esplanade hotel, a large cream building. Built in 1903 the Esplanade was modeled on English seaside hotels of the time and has a truly charming character.

Flagstaff

Across the road to the right you will walk through Windsor Reserve, also known as Flagstaff due to its historical connections with the navy. The British navy landed at this site in 1840 and began the European settlement of Devonport.  Today a large commemorative flagstaff and plaque can be seen near the waterfront.

Boer war Arch memorial

Following along King Edward Parade you will find the Boer war Arch memorial commemorating the fallen soldiers of the Boer War. The Arch beautifully frames the picturesque views of Auckland city and is a favorite for photographers.

Volcanic eruptions

Whilst you walk along the pathway be sure to look down towards the sea at the intriguing black rock lava flows caused by the eruption of Mount Victoria. These rock formations extend along Devonport’s waterfront creating underwater reefs.

Elizabeth House

On the left two identical and linked villa style buildings (Elizabeth House) can be found. The Navy originally used these as accommodation for the Women’s Royal NZ Navel Service and visitors can rent an apartment in this building for accommodation today.

Public execution site

On the right overlooking the sea a plaque can be found labeled execution site. It is here in 1848 that Joseph Burns both committed murder and was later hanged for this capital crime as the first European to be officially executed in New Zealand.

Devonport Yacht Club

The Devonport Yacht Club can be found on the right near the waterfront. The Club was founded in 1905 and since has been affiliated with a number of famous individuals; the first patron being Viscount Jellicoe, New Zealand’s second Governor General and more recently the well-known Sir Peter Blake a past patron.

The ship builders

From 1859 to the 1890’s King Edward Parade became the busiest shipbuilding area in New Zealand. A plaque can be found which commemorates the shipbuilders of Devonport who worked on this shore.

Right on the water The Calliope Scout Hall is located, named after the ship that visited Devonport in 1845. The hall is still used for community events and activities.

The Masonic Hotel

On the left one of New Zealand’s oldest Taverns and one of the oldest remaining buildings on the North Shore can be found. The Masonic Hotel opened in 1866 as a planned resort for wealthy travelers. Today the Masonic is the perfect location for a drink or meal.

Old Duders wharf

On the right a plaque can be found at the site of the old Devonport Wharf (also known as Duders wharf), which up until 1936 provided the main ferry access to Church Street, Devonport’s original commercial centre. Further along you will also see a large memorial adorned with a clock to commemorate Alexander Watson; a key contributor to the building of the foreshore seawall.

Duder Brother’s General store

Across the road from this is an example of a late Baroque style building: The Duder Brother’s General store, which today is home to an art gallery and restaurant.

Tainui Memorial

Just before you reach Torpedo Bay on the right you will find the large Tainui Memorial, which commemorates the arrival of the Tainui canoe (one of the seven Maori migrant canoes) to the Witemata Harbour. There is evidence of Maori settlement in the Mount Victoria area however, in the 1790’s these settlements were destroyed by rival tribes.

Arrival of the french

A plaque commemorates the visit by the French corvette L’Astrolabe in 1827 and its commander, Dumont D’Urville, who climbed Mt Victoria to survey the harbour.

Torpedo Bay Naval Museum

Your final destination is the scenic Torpedo Bay, home to the Torpedo Bay Naval Museum a dedication to the history of the Royal New Zealand Navy. This museum is perfect for the whole family with activities for children and the option of a guided tour from one of the museums experts for adults who are eager to learn a little more.

North Head Historical Reserve

You can continue your walk up to the North Head Historical Reserve which is considered to be the most significant historical coastal defence site in New Zealand. The historical site includes a self-guided walk that covers approximately 2km and includes a military tunnel complex, gun emplacements and fortifications and is well signposted. See our North Head Historic Reserve Trail page for more details.

Jengis produces a wide range of handcrafted ceramics, including smaller domestic wares through to larger pieces noted for their strength of form, lightness, and beautiful glazing.

The pieces are made on a wheel from New Zealand’s finest quality porcelain and earthenware clays.  The work is exhibited and sold throughout New Zealand, and is in private collections both here and overseas.

Jengis welcomes visitors to his studio where they can see first-hand the work being created and have an opportunity to purchase items at studio prices.  Returning visitors year after year attest to the high standard of the work.

Hand crafted pieces from several other artists also feature in the gallery, in particular the work of stone sculptor and painter Allan Williams.  Allan also works part time at the studio.

Located in the heart of Devonport village, the opening hours are 10am to 4pm Wednesday to Sunday. Sometimes open Monday and Tuesday afternoons. Ring first!

Jengis can be contacted outside of shop hours on Mob 027 530 9431

Course history

The land was donated 107 years ago to the citizens of North Shore by the Alison family for use as a sporting facility. The course was for many years a nine hole affair with a motorbike, greyhound, and horse racing track around the outside.

Parts of the track are still in play today with the back straight forming the fairway of the par five13^th. The Takapuna Jockey Club abandoned the track in 1938 and the 18 hole course was established. Today it offers a wonderful green belt and a focus for the heart of Devonport. Many residents enjoy a pleasant summer evening walk through the course.

A welcoming location

Waitemata in fact has options for most golfers from 9 hole players, to those who enjoy twilight competitions during daylight saving or daily summer holiday scrambles over a full 18 holes. Members and guests alike can then relax in the clubhouse, and enjoy both the view and the range of après golf fare from Waitemata’s café and bar.

Corporate golfing

North Shore businesses find the accessibility of the course a bonus when planning their corporate golf day functions and these events have become somewhat of a specialty of the staff at the club.

Destination golf shop

Over the years the Golf Shop has become a favorite destination for women seeking the latest ranges in golf fashion clothing and accessories. Men are not left out either, and the shop stocks a comprehensive range of competitively priced golfing equipment.

Professional coaching

The Club’s resident professional Jonathan Wright offers coaching and clinics to new comers and seasoned golfers alike. Jonathan also supports neighbouring Intermediate and Secondary schools with golf tuition and the Club offers school student summer membership deals.

This is a very popular course and bookings are essential.

Whether you wish to delve into the historical detail of the location or enjoy a picnic lunch and the picturesque views, North Head is a fantastic place to explore and spend time.

North Head is one of the oldest of approximately 50 volcanic cones in the Auckland volcanic field having been formed over 50,000 years ago in a series of great volcanic explosions. Visitors can view a visual film history of North Head showing at the old stone kitchen built in 1885. This facility is located towards the summit complex and is open daily from 8.30am-4.00pm.

Featuring a self-guided walk that covers approximately 2km over an hour, North Head holds a military tunnel complex, gun emplacements and fortifications and is well signposted with numbered descriptions and orange markers. The military installations date from 1888 and were built to protect Auckland from a feared Russian invasion with additions made for WW1 and WW2. A historical highlight of the installation is the large disappearing gun, one of a few remaining in the world.

The North Head Historic Reserve is open from 6am -10pm seven days, with the vehicle gates open from 6am – 6pm and is located within easy walking distance of the Devonport high street and Ferry terminal. Continue along King Edward Parade and on to Cheltenham road then turn right up into Takarunga Road. You will see North Head from some distance. Alternatively you can access the reserve from the southern end of Cheltenham beach.

The department of conservation provides a range of guides about North Head.

Mount Victoria is known to the Māori as Takarunga. Its peaks and upper slopes have a fascinating history – from farmland to housing a signal station for shipping. One of Mount Victoria’s historic army bunkers is a music venue for the Devonport Folk Club. And the old Signalman’s House is now the Michael King Writer’s Centre.

Loved by locals and visitors, Mount Victoria is one of the best vantage points in all of Auckland.  Enjoy spectacular views of the Auckland City Skyline and the stunning Waitemata Harbour – have your camera ready!

Relax and soak up the relaxing village vibe. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic or enjoying fish and chips by the beach.

Windsor Reserve is home to the Devonport Library, the 1924 War Memorial and a band rotunda. It’s also the venue for the annual Devonport Food, Wine and Music Festival.

Devonport Beach is a popular spot for swimming and relaxing by the sea.