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Activity Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Devonport Explorer Tour Volcanoes, Heritage and Cultural sites

5.0 (10 reviews) 1 h 15 min Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Devonport Explorer Tour Volcanoes, Heritage and Cultural sites

About this activity

The Devonport Explorer is a great way to discover Auckland being one of its oldest suburbs with arguably the best City skyline and Harbour Views. You will discover our Maori and European history along with its geology. This tour will fit many itineraries with ferry crossing from downtown only 15 minutes allowing flexibility along with coach and harbour travel. Within an hour and 15 minutes you can be standing on two Volcanic cones with commanding views overlooking Heritage homes built from native Kauri Timber. Discover why the locals describe this destination as close enough but far enough away. View skyline features a passing cruise liner and then in minutes a tranquil North Shore Beach.

A visit to the suburb of Devonport is a must to any Auckland itinerary.

If you make your way to Devonport you'll enjoy it but if you let us show you around you might want to live here.

Bus Tours Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours DSA non-compliant Weather Dependent - Moderate Agent Low Quality Product

At a glance

Duration
1 h 15 min
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 20 people
People per booking
1–20
Guide
English
Operated by
Devonport Explorer Tours

Ages: Children (0–14 years) · Adults (15–120 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Local guide with live commentary
  • Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle

Itinerary

  1. Devonport

    20 min

    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)

  2. North Head Historic Reserve

    15 min Admission included

    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.

  3. Cheltenham Beach

    Passing by

    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.

  4. Mount Victoria Reserve

    15 min Admission included

    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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

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

End point

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

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%

Good to know

  • 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

Traveller ratings

5.0 out of 5 · 10 reviews
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Devonport Explorer Tour Volcanoes, Heritage and Cultural sites

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