Only 15 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland, Devonport makes a good family day trip. Plenty of cafes to choose from once you’re there, the waterfront to stroll along all the way to North Head if you want and the Navy Museum.

You can follow the pathway from the ferry terminal, through Windsor Reserve where there’s a small playground with swings, lots of slides and a seesaw. It’s partly shaded by Pohutukawa trees and there’s plenty of grass for running around and some benches. At the water’s edge is the small sandy area of Devonport Beach.

If you keep following the waterfront path, you can walk to The Navy Museum – it’s just over 1km from the ferry terminal. There are permanent and changing exhibitions which are free to access and there’s always something geared towards kids. You can look here for activities that can be bought for kids to do as they look around (up to $4). There’s often extra activities for kids during the school holidays too. There’s a cafe, outside play area and toilets all onsite.

To continue walking to North Head, you need to cut back along Cheltenham Road and up Takarunga Road. There are great views back towards Auckland city or out towards Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf. It’s an important site for early Maori settlements and was later used for batteries which can be explored. Look here for DOC walking guides.

If you’re looking for a beach bigger than Devonport, head to Cheltenham Beach, on the Hauraki Gulf.

The shops and cafes in Devonport are mostly around Victoria Street.