Duration
4:00 Hours
Activity Level
Moderate
Experience Details*
Enjoy a scenic drive to the beautiful suburbs of Devonport, which will afford unsurpassed views of the city icons, via Mount Victoria and North Head. From Mount Victoria, you will have spectacular views of North Shore city, the gulf and Auckland City as well as remnants of the Kawerau tribe fortifications. North Head has panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf, the Takapuna Region and Rangitoto Island and contains an extensive collection of military tunnels.
Devonport, a historical maritime village nestled on Auckland's North Shore, is one of the earliest settled areas and most noted for its timber colonial architecture. In the 1880’s much farm land was subdivided and large wooden villas were built in a style that has now become part of Devonport's charm. The wooden villas have been lovingly restored and repainted, and beautiful gardens developed around them to enhance their glory. Most of the houses are built of solid timber from the Kauri tree, Agatha’s Australis, a native tree known for its straight growth habit and lack of knots. On a guided tour of the Devonport Peninsula, absorb the colonial architecture and peaceful tranquillity of this historical village, followed by free time to explore the speciality shops.
Return to Auckland via the ferry at your own leisure.
At a glance*
Duration: Half day guided tour
Activity: Moderate level of walking
Transport: By coach or minibus and ferry
Why Book? To discover the unique heritage of the maritime village of Devonport, nestled on Auckland’s North Shore.
Itinerary*
Devonport (scenic drive) > Mount Victoria (views of North Shore city, the gulf and Auckland city) > Devonport historical maritime village (guided tour and free time) > ferry ride back to Auckland
What's included*
Local guide
Panoramic guided tour
Ferry ride (and ferry ticket to return at leisure)
Shopping
Photo opportunities
Independent exploration
Essential information
The guided tour of Devonport takes approximately 30 minutes, however this is optional. No Fortifications or structures remain at the historic Maori Pa site on Mount Victoria. This tour departs the ship by motorcoach, during free time guests will be given ferry tickets to return via ferry at their own leisure (un-guided). The walk from the downtown ferry terminal back to the ship is approximately 150 metres. Stores in Devonport may close on public holidays.
ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS, You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.
BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS, For any excursion involving water, passengers are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.
SCUBA DIVING, All passengers wishing to participate in a certified dive tour must hold a PADI open water scuba certification or BSAC Ocean Diver certification. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate divers with either a PADI Junior Open Water or a PADI Scuba Dive rating due to the depth limitations imposed by these qualifications. In line with the recommendations by the sports-diving industry, we strongly recommend that divers undertake a refresher course if they have not been diving within the last six months. You must be aged 15 or over, carry your dive certification card with you and we recommend that you carry your diving log or proof that you’ve recently completed a refresher course. If you are a certified diver, but are unable to meet our requirements we recommend taking the Discover Scuba excursion as an alternative. For Discover Scuba courses you don’t need any scuba experience but you must be 15 or over and be able to swim. You’ll also need to complete a medical/liability consent form before you go - but if you suffer from asthma, diabetes, heart problems or other medical conditions you won’t be able to take part. Please visit www.padi.com/padi/en/sd/whatsrequired.aspx for more information.