Devonport Explorer Tour Volcanoes, Heritage and Cultural sites | La Vacanza Travel

Devonport Explorer Tour Volcanoes, Heritage and Cultural sites

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Destination: New Zealand, Auckland, Waiheke Island
from
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  • 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Waiheke Island
  • E-Voucher
  • Lowest Price
  • Not-Cancellable

Overview

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.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Devonport, Devonport, North Shore, North Island

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)



Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: North Head Historic Reserve, Takarunga Rd. Devonport, Auckland Central, Auckland New Zealand

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.

Duration: 15 minutes

Pass By: Cheltenham Beach, Auckland 0624 New Zealand

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.

Stop At: Mount Victoria Reserve, Kerr Street, Devonport, Auckland New Zealand

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.

Duration: 15 minutes

Inclusions
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Local guide with live commentary
  • Entry/Admission - Mount Victoria Reserve
  • Entry/Admission - North Head Historic Reserve

Exclusions
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • Infants must sit on laps
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    Departure Point

    Devonport Ferry Terminal, Devonport, Auckland 0624, New Zealand


    Departure Time

    09:30 AM


    Return Details

    Returns to original departure point

    Voucher info

    You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

    Duration

    1 hour 15 minutes


    User's Reviews

    Peter H

    29 Feb, 2024

    Had a great trip with Josh earlier today. It was informative and interesting and helped to quickly build our knowledge of this beautiful area.

    douglasg292

    22 Feb, 2024

    Great tour guide who also doubled as our driver. (Josh) His knowledge of the history, architecture and economics of the area was full of facts and anecdotes- which enhanced our experience with a sprinkle of light humor along the way. Many stops for excellent photos and comfort.

    amisoerredaha

    27 Nov, 2023

    Highly recommend this tour. Booking is easy, very accommodating. I was solo traveling with my 2 year old and they were very welcoming. We drove around the Devonport - lots of interesting information that I wouldn't have known if I just wondered myself including about the house structures, native plants, historical sites, marine/navy influences etc. We also got "exclusive" access up the lookout point - The coach has access to drive up, while general public will need to hike up, which is definitely convenient if you have mobility issues or travelling with young kids. The view at the top was unmatched. I highly recommend this tour. It will remain part of our most treasured holiday highlights. Thank you ❤️

    93JRV

    07 Jul, 2023

    Paul is an engaging tour guide. He shows great care throughout the tour and offers unscripted yet knowledgeable facts. It was a great experience!

    Lavinia_W

    22 Jun, 2023

    A wonderful way to explore Devonport. Paul our guide is very friendly and knowledgeable of the area. The tour covers all the highlights with minimal amount of walking uphills. The views of the city is amazing..

    User's Picture Gallery

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    A must while in Auckland!

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    Stunning view, Accommodating Tour.

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