Greetings from New Zealand, our home for the upcoming three months. Although our routine activities will mostly consume our days, we plan on setting aside time to discover the urban and rural marvels of New Zealand that await us.
Our excursions will commence in Devonport, the suburb we will traverse before embarking on uncovering the enchanting splendor of other areas of North Island.
Yesterday, we spent half a day exploring the charming town of Devonport. We had an enriching walk-around trip, which we would like to share through this virtual tour. In addition, we took numerous photos to capture the essence of Devonport and its beauty!
Booking.com1. St Francis De Sales and All Soul’s Church
St. Francis de Sales and All Souls’ Church is a Catholic church founded in 1889, and the current building was completed in 1929.
The architecture is a blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles.
The interior is decorated with beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate carvings.
Watch the video we shot at Devonport. It is at the end of this article. 👇👇
2. St Paul’s church
Located next to St. Francis de Sales and All Souls’ Church is the beautiful St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church.
Unfortunately, the church was closed during our visit, but we still admired its stunning exterior and took some photos.
2. An affluent neighborhood
As we strolled towards the town, many beautiful and grand houses lined the street.
Devonport is an upscale suburb, and it’s easy to see why. The neighborhood boasts a perfect blend of architectural styles of the early 20th century and a luxurious lifestyle that is hard to resist.
3. Mount Victoria
Takarunga, also known as Mount Victoria, derives its name from the Maori language, meaning “hill standing above.” However, the European settlers later renamed the mountain Mount Victoria.
The trail leading to the summit of Mount Victoria is near the renowned Victoria Theatre. It is relatively easy, and we reached the peak after a leisurely fifteen-minute walk, punctuated by several stops, to savor the picturesque views of Auckland city.
The mountain’s apex houses a signal station, and adjacent to it lies a picturesque lawn embellished with charming red and white mushroom-shaped features. These unique features are the vent of the underground water pumping station beneath the mountain.
The summit offers a tranquil setting, ideal for unwinding and letting go of stress. Sitting on strategically located benches while taking in the breathtaking panoramic views is relaxing.
4. Walk around the center of Devonport
There are various interesting places along Victoria Street:
As we made our way back from Mount Victoria, we strolled down the main street of Devonport, taking in the charming surroundings. The Victoria Theatre, an iconic landmark, was on our right.
The Victoria Theatre was built in 1912 and maintained its original charm and grandeur. It is the earliest built cinema still in existence in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a venue for various cultural plays, concerts, and film screenings.
Several galleries are showcasing the work of local artists and artisans, and Flagstaff is one of them.
The Esplanade Hotel is a historic landmark of Devonport.
The First World War Memorial in Devonport commemorates soldiers from the area who sacrificed in both the First and Second World Wars. It is one of the many solemn monuments constructed in communities across New Zealand after the First World War.
The Bookmark is located just down the street, with a selection of secondhand, used, and rare books, with over 20,000 books in stock. In addition, it’s only a short 10-minute ferry ride from Downtown Auckland, making it an easily accessible destination.
If you’re in the local area, visit the Bookmark to experience an authentic bookshop environment. The store provides a warm and interesting ambiance to complement the joys of browsing, complete with chairs and couches for your comfort.
5. Winsor Reserve
At the end of Victoria Road is Winsor Reserve, a beautiful waterfront park for locals and tourists, offering stunning views of Waitemata Harbour and the Auckland skyline.
It features a large children’s playground and a grassy area, perfect for picnics, games, and relaxing with friends and family.
6. Devonport ferry terminal
The Devonport ferry terminal is an important transportation hub in the Auckland area. It provides regular ferry services between Devonport and downtown Auckland and other destinations in the Hauraki Gulf.
The ferry rides from the terminal offer some of the best views of Auckland’s iconic skyline and the surrounding islands.
The trip to Auckland city takes approximately 12 minutes, and ferries run every 30 minutes during peak hours and every hour during off-peak hours. There are also regular ferries to other popular destinations, such as Waiheke Island and Rangitoto Island.
7. Devonport Navy Base
The Devonport Naval Base is the main base of the Royal New Zealand Navy. The base is also popular for locals and visitors to enjoy the waterfront views and watch the navy’s ships coming and going.
8. Cheltenham Beach
Cheltenham Beach is a beautiful and popular beach in the coastal suburb of Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand. It is a long, sandy beach that offers views of the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island.
There are picnic areas and public toilets, making it a great spot for a day trip or a family outing.
Watch the video we shot at Devonport. 👇👇
If you have read this blog post this far, don’t miss out on the video we shot at Devonport. Click the image below to watch on YouTube (shot in high definition!).
