Discover from the North Shore to Matakana & beyond

Zip over the bridge and findyourself in another world. A series of sunny seaside communities define the North Shore and the feel-good factor only heightens as you head further into North Auckland with its friendly little towns, farmers’ markets, beaches ideal for swimming and regional parks perfect for family outings.

Talk to a Local

Caroline Everitt Marketing and Retail Director, Devonport Chocolates

My top must-do’s for visitors would have to be...

• In summer, fish and chips on Cheltenham beach. Visit a couple of hours either side of high tide. Take your togs and a good book and you can easily pass a few hours in bliss.

• A stroll along Takapuna Beach starting at the Hauraki Road end. When you reach the boat ramp end, get a coffee or ice cream at Takapuna Beach Café and stroll back along the beach.

• Head up Takarunga (Mt Victoria) or Maungauika (North Head) for stunning views of the city, and on North Head you can also explore the tunnels.

• An evening can be spent really enjoyably at one of the North Shore’s boutique cinemas. The Bridgeway in Northcote and The Vic in Devonport are particular favourites. The Vic also has live music from time to time.

• The Takapuna Markets on a Sunday morning. It’s a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours, and so is the delightful The Market Collaborative at Smales Farm which happens the second Sunday of every month. That is particularly good for artisan food and everything from indoor plants to jewellery. I even got my dog some artisan dog treats.

• I love the walk from Takapuna to Milford along the shoreline. In winter it is particularly exciting as the waves pound up on the rocks. I

’m starting to feel hungry just thinking about the new Signal Hill restaurant in Devonport. It is so nice to see this historical villa transformed into a beautiful bar and dining room and the food is sublime. I also enjoy Stanley Avenue Wine Bar and Bistro on East Coast Bays Road.

Recommending a day trip is difficult because there are so many good options on the Shore! You can while away a few hours in Devonport exploring the beaches, Navy Museum and reserves. Or head up to Ōrewa and be transported to a seaside village, have lunch at a restaurant, explore the beach, even pick up a matinee performance at the local theatre.

North Auckland is my absolutely favourite place to live. Whether it is summer or winter, there is a beach to explore or relax on in easy driving or walking distance.

There are hundreds of superb cafés, restaurants and bakeries here and when shopping is calling, you can pop into a boutique store in any of the suburbs (Devonport has some gems). I must admit we rarely head into the city and that isn’t because of the traffic, but because we are fully occupied enjoying our local city close to the sea.

Horse riding in Pakiri © Auckland Unlimited Inc.

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IMAGE ABOVE: Pōhutukawa tree, Takapuna Beach © Adobe Stock