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Devonport Explorer Tour Volcanoes, Heritage and Cultural sites

Offered by Devonport Explorer Tours

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$40.00 per person

5.0 (10 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Guided tour of Devonport via King Edward Parade, North Head and Mt Victoria, with views of Rangitoto Island, Cheltenham Beach and Waitematā Harbour.

Tour Overview

Meet your guide at the Devonport Ferry Terminal bus stop and begin with an introduction to Devonport, one of Auckland’s oldest suburbs. From the waterfront, the route follows King Edward Parade, where heritage homes, local landmarks, and the use of native Kauri timber help frame the area’s Māori and European history. You will also pass the Devonport Yacht Club, the Tainui Memorial, and Torpedo Bay, home of the Navy Museum.

The tour continues to North Head, Maungauika, where the northern side looks out over Cheltenham Beach, the Hauraki Gulf, and Rangitoto Island, Auckland’s youngest volcano. Here, your guide explains the importance of the maunga to local Māori and points out the 1885 fortifications built to defend Auckland at the entrance to the Waitematā Harbour. There is also a brief stop to view the historic Tearooms, now known as McHughs of Cheltenham.

Travelling via Narrow Neck Beach, the original stagecoach route, the coach passes the Waitemata Golf Club and heritage homes before heading to Mt Victoria, Takarunga. Near the tihi, among pōhutukawa trees, the views open to Auckland City, the harbour, the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and surrounding volcanic cones. In around 1 hour 15 minutes, this tour links harbour, beaches, military history, and volcanic landscapes in a compact introduction to Devonport.

What's Included

  • Local guide with live commentary
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Devonport

    Meet your guide at the Devonport Ferry Terminal bus stop at the designated time. The Ferry Building is situated at the Devonport waterfront with restroom facilities , local shopping and dining options. If you arrive earlier than your booked tour you are directly opposite the main village and shopping attractions. Your guide will give a full introduction to the history of Devonport and provide a detailed commentary. Leaving the Ferry Building we will make our way along King Edward Parade a popular Auckland Esplanade viewing heritage homes and local landmarks with interesting history. An explanation of local timbers used in particular our native Kauri wood unique for it's famous durability. View The Devonport Yacht Club one of New Zealand's oldest . We view the Tainui Memorial introducing the arrival of the Maori Waka / canoe and their local history. Travel into Torpedo Bay home of the Navy Museum . Make our way to the Volcanic headland North Head (Maungauika)

    20 minutes

  2. 2

    North Head Historic Reserve

    As we make our way onto the Northern side of Maungauika / North Head we will experience a view overlooking Cheltenham Beach and the Hauraki Gulf. We will disembark the coach on Northern side and take in a spectacular view looking across to Rangitoto Island Auckland's youngest Volcano. The Māori residents of this site are said to have viewed it's most recent eruption some 250 years ago. The volcanic feature or Maunga was settled by the local people since the arrival of the Tainui Waka. View the sailing playground that held the America's Cup Regatta with a changing panorama of boating activity all year round maybe your guide will point out a secret fishing spot. As we are positioned directly on the entrance to Auckland's inner Waitemata Harbour we also have an opportunity to explore 1885 fortifications built to defend Auckland, often referred to as Auckland's doorknob all shipping in and out of Auckland must pass this area a great place to view our cruise ship arrival and departures.

    15 minutes

    Admission: Included

  3. 3

    Cheltenham Beach

    The coach will briefly stop to view the historic Tearooms today known as McHughs of Cheltenham built over 100 years ago from native Kauri timber. Interesting local history relating to Victorian bathing and activities.

    Pass by without stopping

  4. 4

    Mount Victoria Reserve

    Travelling via Narrow Neck Beach the original stagecoach route we will pass the Waitemata Golf club and heritage homes . As we make our way towards Mt Victoria / Takarunga we will pass one of New Zealands oldest Cemetaries and travel the road to the Tihi parking just below to respect its cultural significance to the local people. Making our way to this point passing through native Pohutakawa trees ( our nz christmas tree ) and glimses of the City skyline. On arrival we will have 360 views of Auckland City and Harbour. Understand why this was the site of the flagstaff directing early Auckland's shipping. View an 1880s Disappearing canon , views of Auckland Harbour Bridge and the Volcanic Cones of Auckland. Before departing and returning to the village have your photo with Auckland's best skyline backdrop as a reminder of your visit. The coach will then travel down into the village pointing out local galleries and amenities returning to the ferry Building or dropping nearby.

    15 minutes

    Admission: Included

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Devonport Ferry Terminal

Devonport, Auckland 0624, New Zealand

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Meet at street entrance of Devonport Ferry Terminal (Devonport Explorer Tour Signboard on pavement)

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Additional Info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.