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13 December, 2018
Devonport on a stop watch
Two hours in Devonport
If you’re visiting devonport for a good time, not a long time, the best way to start your adventure is with a coffee. There are numerous options – on the main street but you can also try Chiasso’s, devo or Lily on Wynyard or Baked on Clarence. then make the short stroll up to Mt victoria and take in the views over auckland, and make sure you check out the iconic red and white mushrooms. When you’re finished wandering the mountain, head down to Cheltenham for a scoop of gelato from Cheltenham Milk Bar. Kick o your shoes and head to Cheltenham Beach while you’re there. Don’t forget to stop by Vauxhall Vintage and find yourself a unique treasure to take home with you.
Half a day in Devonport
Head down King Edward pde and enjoy the walk along the waterfront towards Torpedo Bay Wharf. Along the way, stop for coffee and brunch at platter Cafe where you can enjoy the spectacular views over the harbour. Once you get to torpedo Bay, make sure you walk right out to the edge of the wharf for a great view. If you’ve got your swimsuit, and are a confident swimmer, you can even jump off the wharf for a dip. The Navy Museum is located here and entry is free.
North Head, Devonport’s historic coastal-defence site, is a five-minute walk away – and definitely worth your time. Take the looping track from the base to the top, where along the way you will find tunnels to explore (bring a flashlight if you’re not confident in the dark) and gun emplacements. Follow steps down the side of the mountain and find North Head’s little spot of bliss, its own hidden beach. By now you’ve surely walked up a sweat – so time to treat yourself to an ice cream as big as you can handle from devonport icon White’s dairy.
A full day in Devonport
If you’re lucky enough to have a whole day to spend in devonport, you won’t be disappointed. Every good day starts with coffee, and you won’t find better than Chiasso on Wynyard St. Their cold brew, which has been lovingly slow dripped for 6 hours, is not to be missed on a hot day. On your way up to Mt Victoria stop in for some retail therapy along Victoria Rd.
After city gazing from on top of the mountain, head towards Church St where you will find Cambria Reserve. A scenic stroll through the reserve will reveal one of devonport’s hidden gems – the devonport Museum. this volunteer-run museum is filled with historical treasures and loads of hands-on activities such as a piano, a typewriter, skittles and even a small cinema.
If, by this point, your stomach is starting to grumble the answer to your problems lies just down the road. Chateaubriant is a small French cafe located in Cheltenham, filled with yummy treats that will make your eyes (and your stomach) light up. Grab a selection of goodies to take away and head to Cheltenham Beach to enjoy them with one of the best views in devonport – of the unmistakable rangitoto island.
Before the sun goes down, make your way back to the main village and into the beer garden at The Patriot for a cold brew and to soak up the final rays of the day. Last but not least, get cosy in front of an evening movie at The Vic vintage theatre. Don’t forget a large box of butter popcorn!