MANUKAU
North Auckland
Mt Victoria, Devonport © Getty Images BELOW, RIGHT: Cooking class at Chelsea Sugar © Chelsea Sugar BELOW, LEFT: Cycling on North Head © Auckland Unlimited
HEADS
Waitematā Harbour
Rotoroa Island Ōrewa &
surrounds
Devonport Meander Absorbing glitzy skyline views from its sleepy, coastal enclave, Devonport village is cradled at the base of Mt Victoria. Defined by its well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian buildings, the main street features a retro cinema, pubs, and the most exquisite shops including an elegant stationers and Devonport Chocolates.
of the month, 10am-2pm.
North Head Historical Reserve Ramble through military
matakana
Albany
Mount Victoria/Takarunga This is the highest volcano on Auckland’s North Shore but it only takes 10-20 minutes to walk to the top. You can also drive up, but parking spaces are limited. The views are sublime and a scattering of unexpected toad stool sculptures freckle the
tunnels scattered between gun emplacements and fortifications dating back to 1888 and both World Wars.
Cheltenham Beach The ferry from downtown Auckland docks adjacent to Devonport Beach but Cheltenham Beach is a much bigger (and arguably much better) beach on the other side of town. An easy and picturesque 1.5km walk from the ferry terminal will deposit you on golden sand.
Takapuna
summit. Devonport Craft & Fine Food Market Wander in between stalls
Magic Broomstick Segway Tours Weave through Devonport’s historic streets, past Victorian villas, beaches and parks before whizzing up Mt Victoria for uninterrupted views across Hauraki Gulf and the Auckland skyline.
Milford
selling locally-made contemporary crafts and fine foods to the rhythm of live music. Every second Sunday
Leigh See Map Section - pages 66 to 71
& beyond northcote kenhead & bir Chelsea Sugar Factory, Birkenhead Calling all keen bakers. Take a behind-the-scenes dive into this famous sugar factory with a one-hour guided tour and tasting, then treat yourself to some fine fare or high tea at Sugar Café. There’s a brilliant playground and ample parking; the traditional yellow lines are candy-coloured pink. Cute!
Bridgeway Cinema, Northcote Arthouse films mingle beside allblazing blockbusters; movie magic has been enthralling patrons here since 1927. There’s a bistro next door, too.
Northcote Tavern One of the oldest pubs in the region boasts a grand façade, a classic pub atmosphere, the quintessential beer
garden and an enormous Sunday roast.
Birkenhead Night Market Every Sunday from 4.30pm in the underground car park of Highbury Mall, you can taste everything from Spanish churros to Filipino adobo. Prices are low and the servings are huge.
Breweries Birkenhead Brewing Co occupies a cosy 100-year-old kauri villa; The Beer Spot in Northcote is both a jovial tavern and an offlicence.; Brothers Beer Birkenhead serves great ale alongside its Juke Joint BBQ menu and Mythica Brewing is a hidden gem located in Totara Vale, complete with fully licensed bar. Open Thursday to Saturday.
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