Devonport’s Explorer Route extends the flat harbour ride into hillier territory, taking cyclists up to North Head (Maungauika) and down to Cheltenham Beach on a 9km loop from the ferry terminal. The route combines the coastal scenery of the shorter ride with the reward of North Head’s summit — a volcanic headland riddled with WWII tunnels and gun emplacements, with views across the Waitemata Harbour to the Hauraki Gulf. It’s a moderate outing with one real climb, otherwise manageable for most riders.
Practical Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~9km loop |
| Difficulty | Moderate — one steady climb to North Head summit |
| Start/Finish | Devonport Ferry Terminal, King Edward Parade |
| Surface | Sealed roads throughout |
| Bike hire | Devonport Village, near the ferry terminal |
| Ferry from Auckland | Fullers360 from Downtown Ferry Terminal — 12 minutes |
| Bikes on ferry | Permitted — no extra charge, space permitting |
| Cost | Ferry fare applies; North Head free to enter |
| Toilets | Devonport terminal, North Head summit area |
About the Route
From the Devonport ferry terminal, the Explorer Route heads south along King Edward Parade before turning inland toward North Head (Maungauika). The climb to the summit is steady rather than steep, and the views from the top are a genuine reward — the harbour, the city skyline, Rangitoto Island, and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf spread out in every direction.
North Head is a historic reserve managed by DOC. The summit is dotted with concrete fortifications, tunnels, and gun emplacements dating from the late 1800s through to World War II, when the headland served as a coastal defence installation. The tunnels are open to explore on foot — lock your bike at the top and walk through. It’s worth allowing 30–40 minutes here before continuing the loop.
From North Head, the route descends to Cheltenham Beach on the northern side of the headland — a sheltered, north-facing beach popular with families and swimmers. The water is calmer here than on the harbour side, and there’s a grassy reserve behind the beach with picnic tables. The final stretch follows quiet residential streets back through Devonport village to the ferry terminal.
Along the Way
| Stop | What’s There |
|---|---|
| North Head summit | WWII tunnels, gun emplacements, 360° harbour and gulf views |
| Cheltenham Beach | Sheltered swimming beach, picnic area, calm water |
| Devonport Village | Cafés, galleries, heritage buildings — good for post-ride coffee |
| King Edward Parade | Harbour-front road with views back to the Auckland CBD |
What Visitors Say
“Rode up to North Head — the tunnels are incredible and the view from the top made the climb completely worth it. Cheltenham Beach is a lovely surprise on the other side. Highly recommend doing the full loop rather than just the flat route.”
— TripAdvisor review, North Head / Maungauika
“We hired bikes from Devonport village and did the full loop to North Head and back via Cheltenham. The kids managed the hill fine — it’s not as steep as it looks. The tunnels were the highlight for them. Great half-day out from Auckland.”
— Google Review, Devonport
Where to Learn More
DOC — North Head / Maungauika Historic Reserve
Official information on the reserve, tunnels, history, and what to expect when visiting.
Fullers360 — Devonport Ferry
Ferry timetables and fares from Downtown Auckland Ferry Terminal to Devonport.
Auckland NZ — North Head
Overview of North Head’s history, tunnels, and visitor information from Auckland’s official tourism site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the climb to North Head steep?
It’s a steady climb rather than a sharp ascent — most reasonably fit cyclists manage it without needing to walk. Confident riders will find it straightforward.
Can I explore the tunnels with my bike?
The tunnels at North Head are on foot only — lock your bike at the summit and walk through. Allow 30–40 minutes to explore properly.
Is North Head free to visit?
Yes, the reserve is free to enter and managed by DOC. The ferry crossing to Devonport is the main cost of the day.
How do I get to Devonport from Auckland?
Fullers360 operates ferries from Downtown Ferry Terminal roughly every 30 minutes. The crossing takes about 12 minutes.
Can I take my own bike on the Devonport ferry?
Yes — bikes are permitted on the ferry at no extra charge, subject to space. Alternatively, hire bikes in Devonport village near the terminal.
Is Cheltenham Beach good for swimming?
Yes — it’s a sheltered, north-facing beach with calmer water than the harbour side. Popular with families in summer.
Is this route suitable for children?
With confident young riders, yes. The climb to North Head is the main challenge. The rest of the route follows quiet roads. Younger children may need to walk the hill section.
Where can I get food after the ride?
Devonport village has several cafés and a pub along the main street near the ferry terminal — good options for a post-ride meal before catching the ferry back.
For a longer ride that includes this route and continues through Stanley Bay and Bayswater, see the Devonport 15km full loop. To explore Auckland’s cycling routes more broadly, visit our Cycling Tracks in Auckland hub.
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