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Welcome to Auckland's North Shore
- Kate Methven - 9/1/98
When the Auckland Harbour Bridge opened in 1959 it dramatically changed the
shape and character of the North Shore. Originally mainly just a holiday
place with some developed land around Devonport, Birkenhead and Northcote (
the places where ferry services operated from to the city), the easy road
access has led to a building explosion creating a most desirable
residential area with and interesting array of architectural
styles.
The official North Shore City area extends from Devonport in the south
to Albany in the north and with 120km of coastline most residents live
close to the sea. Summertime is an ideal time to explore the many bays
and beaches, regional parks and walkways, so if you have time to spare
when stopping over in Auckland, here are a few suggestions to help make
your stay more enjoyable.
Getting There
From downtown Auckland there are three ways to travel to 'The Shore' -
bus, boat or car. I think the most relaxed and enjoyable way is to
take the ferry over to Devonport - it only takes ten minutes and you get
great views of the Harbour Bridge and islands of the Hauraki Gulf on the
way over. Buses are frequent and operate to all areas - just Buz-A-Bus
on (09) 366-6400 for details. For more freedom to do your own thing
hiring a car is a good idea. The route out of the city is well marked
and a drive over the Harbour Bridge will give you wonderful city and
harbour views.
Historic Sites
There are a variety of historic places in the area. Devonport, one of
the first places on the shore to be settled by the Europeans, has a
great many turn-of-the-century wooden houses many of which have been
carefully restored by their present owners.
The first organised ferry service from Auckland to Devonport began in 1854
using sail or oar propelled whaleboats. In 1928 a new covered wharf
replaced the Victorian structure which has been recently updated to include
a number of shops and eateries. Across the road from the ferry building,
the Esplanade Hotel in Victoria Street built in 1902 was modelled on
English seaside hotels of the period.... reminds me of Brighton in England!
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Old Esplanade Hotel, Devonport
source - Kate Methven
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A short walk along the front towards Cheltenham Beach will point you up to
North Head, a local vantage point. The short climb to the top is well
worth the effort as you will be rewarded with delightful views of the
harbour, Rangitoto Island and the city from across the other side.
North Head was used as a defence point during the World Wars and you can
take a walk through the maze of tunnels and view the gun emplacements -it's
a good idea to take a torch with you!
Interested in boats?
Take a visit to Birkenhead and at the end of Hinemoa Street you will find
the S.S. Toroa - the only double-sterned steam ferry in the world. The
boat is currently being restored but tours are usually available at
week-ends.
Marae visit
If you would like to visit a marae(Maori Meeting House) and learn about
Maori culture, the Awataha Marae in Akoranga Drive, Northcote, is a
modern urban marae on a historic site and well worth a visit. The land
on the northern side of the marae is known in Maori Mythology as Te
Kopua o Matakamokamo - one of the footsteps of the god of volcanoes
(Mataaho). The land is the homeland of Te Kawerau a Maki, who have
occupied the area for over 1000 years. For more information phone
(09) 486-5467.
Beaches
Beautiful golden sandy shores and safe swimming make this area an
attractive place for family holidays and outings. There are numerous
places to choose from and many have tree-shaded grassy reserves close by
as well as changing facilities. If you drive around the coast road
from Takapuna northwards to Long Bay you will pass many delightful bays -
Milford, Castor Bay, Mairangi Bay Rothesay Bay to name a few.
Why not take a picnic and stop 'en route' where the fancy takes you.
If you are visiting by ferry, Devonport has a reserve area a stone's throw
from the ferry building. If you are prepared to walk on along the front
for
about 10 minutes you will come to Cheltenham Beach, a great favourite
for many visitors. McHugh's Restaurant on the beach front serves a
wonderful buffet lunch daily- great views of Rangitoto Island.
Shopping Centres
North Shore City has many good shopping centres the main one being Shore
City Mall at Takapuna. Situated not far from the beach you can enjoy the
best of both worlds in this relaxed but upmarket centre.
Devonport has a more 'old worldly' feel to it with its antique and craft
shops, interesting specialist shops and pavement cafes.....certainly my
favourite place for buying new or not so new books - a great selection!
Mairangi Bay, Browns Bay and Milford are all reasonably sized shopping
centres within easy walking distance to the beach.
Regional Parks
There are five regional parks within easy reach of North Shore City
which provide excellent facilities with barbecue/picnic areas, walkways
and beautiful sandy, safe beaches. Long Bay Regional Park at the
northern end of North Shore City has an extensive reserve next to the
beach and plenty of picnic places . From the northern end of the beach
you can take a track over to two smaller bays on the Okura River
estuary. From the southern end you can walk around to Torbay.
Shakepear Park is only 45 minutes by car from central Auckland and a
great place for a camping holiday. Set in acres of reserve land the
campsite has minimum facilities (cold water showers and no kitchens) but
at $8 a night per adult and $3 for children, no crowding and a wonderful
beach at your door, who can complain? Pack the barbie or primus stove
and enjoy the great outdoors. (Camping equipment can be hired from
several places in the city and on the shore). However, a permit must
be obtained from the Auckland Regional Parks Office in Auckland before
setting out.
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Beach at Shakepear Park, Boxing Day.
Where are all the people?
This is New Zealand!
source - Kate Methven
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Other parks just further north are Wenderholm, Mahurangi
and Tawharanui (all with basic camping facilities).
Choosing a Base
For those who wish to spend a few days or more in the Auckland region
here are some alternative options to staying in a city hotel...
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Hire some gear and camp at one of the Regional Parks listed above - a
back-to-basics experience! (Car hire recommended.)
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Book yourself into a homestay - bed/breakfast. New Zealanders are
latecomers into this kind of hospitality but most advertised places
provide excellent service. I've travelled the country using homestay
accommodation and have met some delightful people and stayed in some
interesting places (a converted nunnery, a fisherman's crib, a miner's
cottage to name a few). Devonport or Takapuna would be ideal bases -
if you have no transport, Devonport would be my recommendation.
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For more upmarket accommodation why not take the ferry from Auckland to
the new master-planned integrated resort community at
Gulf Harbour on the Whangaporoa Peninsula just 40 minutes from Auckland and
a few minutes from Shakepear Park. The centre of this development is the
Marine Village which offers a diverse European style complex for people who
love the sea.
Villas, apartments and condominiums are scattered along a delightful
waterway most with their boats moored only metres away....
Restaurants, sidewalk cafes and a few specialty shops are
already open and the Gulf Harbour Lodge Retreat offers dinner, bed and
breakfast at a cost of $169 per person, per night.
Before you leave enjoy a game of golf at the Gulf Harbour Golf Course which
has been chosen as the venue for the World Cup Golf Tournament in 1998.
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Gulf Harbour Apartments/Specialty Shops
source - Kate Methven
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So the choice is yours. Take the opportunity to enjoy something a
little different whilst you are visiting New Zealand.
You won't be disappointed.
Published with permission from NZine
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