Mount Victoria Reserve
Mount Victoria Reserve
4.5
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- NiecBrisbane, Australia2,721 contributionsGreat Views on this Extinct volcano in Devonport, North Shore, AucklandLeft Auckland Port, Pier 1 in a Fullar Ferry for a 12 min voyage across the harbour to Devonport. Here we picked up a tour coach at the pier for an hour's interesting tour of the suburb. I was happy when our tour driver drove us up to the top of Mt Victoria /Takarunga as some were hiking up the slope. This is Auckland's largest volcano in the North Shore at 87 M.It has wonderful views even across to North Head the other, volcano in Devonport. There are approximately 50 in the Auckland Volcanic Field. However, this is mountain is green and looks down over the main street of the shopping area of Devonport and has wonderful views across to the Auckland Port and CBD and shows a Naval Base on Devonport side as well. Here I snapped heaps of photos and enjoyed the time on a peaceful place. Ferry cost $15 return Tour $30 and can be booked at Fullers Ferries Auckland before departing. A wonderful time out.Visited February 2020Written February 23, 2020
- keithY651London, United Kingdom427 contributionsLovely walk but signage could be better.This is a lovely walk as detailed in many other reports. Great views and great exercise. The signage for the tunnels could be better so be prepared to explore. Many today were closed due to 'on going' work although no work seemed on-going! There is limited explanations of places and again you have to find them. Especially the explanations and pictures that are at the back of the building at the summit. The tunnel to the gun was open. On a warm day as it was today, water is absolutely vital.Visited February 2020Written February 18, 2020
- Perry BSydney, Australia2,617 contributionsStupendous views!I had a wonderful evening here with friends recently. The climate was balmy and the walks were fantastic. We ascended and were gobsmacked by the quality of the views. the Signalman's house that is now the Michael King Writer in Residence property was also a major highlight!Visited December 2022Written December 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
471 reviews
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277
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164
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Carole E
London, UK73 contributions
Jan 2020
We didn't have any plans for our last day in Auckland, but on a whim decided to take the ferry to Devonport. What a charming town! Mount Victoria beckoned as a great place to see the views and we were not disappointed. It's quite a hike up, taking around 20 minutes (though not all that steep) and definitely worth it. The views from the top are spectacular and you can visit the old fort and the cannon.
Devonport itself has some lovely cafes and bookshops and is a great place to wander around, a change from busy Auckland.
Devonport itself has some lovely cafes and bookshops and is a great place to wander around, a change from busy Auckland.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hussein B
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates1,049 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
In general I am so in love with Devonport, such beautiful area with the spirit of the old days, and mount Victoria offers a fantastic amazing view of Auckland, sky tower,etc.
Also a lot of historical things to see from WW.
Definitely worth the check.
Also a lot of historical things to see from WW.
Definitely worth the check.
Written February 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Imkittie
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates161 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Mount Victoria is one of Devonport’s famous landmarks. It’s easily accessible by foot and the walk typically takes around 10-20 minutes – depending on how many times you stop and admire the views!
Takarunga / Mount Victoria is the highest volcano on Auckland's North Shore, rising to 87 m. Its age is currently unknown. Its lava flows now line much of Devonport's waterfront. An important pa once occupied its slopes, and some of the pa's earthworks can still be seen.
On foot from the Devonport Wharf, Mount Victoria can be reached by following Devonport’s high street, Victoria Road. The high street is lined with boutique shops and cosy cafes, perfect for a quick break or some retail therapy.
Towards the top of the main street near Victoria Picture Palace (found on the right hand side) Victoria Road turns slightly towards the left, you will want to take the road to the right- Kerr Street. Walk across Kerr Street to the left hand side where you will come across the main entrance up to Mt Victoria. New Zealand location . Follow the road upwards to the summit.
The summit can also be reached by mini-coach, Segway, bike and car. If you’re driving please note that there is limited parking.
Mount Victoria is known to the Māori as Takarunga. The mountain was once a Maori pā (Maori village or defence settlement) and pā terraces and pits can still be seen on the mountains’ upper slopes today. Mount Victoria was later developed by Europeans as a military position for an expected Russian invasion.
In your journey up the summit road you will see the Signalman’s House on the left. The Signalman’s House was used in the past to inform residents about the arriving and departing ships. Many houses in the Devonport area were built to provide a direct line of site to the signal station so the inhabitants could easily read the flags.
Whilst the first signalmen lived in a tent or hut, later a Victorian styled villa was built to house the signalman and his family. The last signalman to live in this villa passed away in 1943. Today the Signalman’s House is home to the Michael King Writer’s Centre, which both supports and promotes New Zealand literature.
At the summit of Mount Victoria you’ll find one of Devonport’s disappearing guns, one of only a few left in the world. Historically, Mt. Victoria has a number of artillery emplacements and various concrete bunkers, one of which is now a music venue for the Devonport Folk Club.
Dotted around the summit of Mount Victoria you will also come across a colourfully painted mushroom field. These mushrooms are in fact the vents for a water pumping station which lies underneath the surface of the mountain.
Loved by locals and visitors, Mount Victoria is one of the best vantage points in all of Auckland. Enjoy spectacular views of the Auckland City Skyline and the stunning Waitemata Harbour..
ctto.
Takarunga / Mount Victoria is the highest volcano on Auckland's North Shore, rising to 87 m. Its age is currently unknown. Its lava flows now line much of Devonport's waterfront. An important pa once occupied its slopes, and some of the pa's earthworks can still be seen.
On foot from the Devonport Wharf, Mount Victoria can be reached by following Devonport’s high street, Victoria Road. The high street is lined with boutique shops and cosy cafes, perfect for a quick break or some retail therapy.
Towards the top of the main street near Victoria Picture Palace (found on the right hand side) Victoria Road turns slightly towards the left, you will want to take the road to the right- Kerr Street. Walk across Kerr Street to the left hand side where you will come across the main entrance up to Mt Victoria. New Zealand location . Follow the road upwards to the summit.
The summit can also be reached by mini-coach, Segway, bike and car. If you’re driving please note that there is limited parking.
Mount Victoria is known to the Māori as Takarunga. The mountain was once a Maori pā (Maori village or defence settlement) and pā terraces and pits can still be seen on the mountains’ upper slopes today. Mount Victoria was later developed by Europeans as a military position for an expected Russian invasion.
In your journey up the summit road you will see the Signalman’s House on the left. The Signalman’s House was used in the past to inform residents about the arriving and departing ships. Many houses in the Devonport area were built to provide a direct line of site to the signal station so the inhabitants could easily read the flags.
Whilst the first signalmen lived in a tent or hut, later a Victorian styled villa was built to house the signalman and his family. The last signalman to live in this villa passed away in 1943. Today the Signalman’s House is home to the Michael King Writer’s Centre, which both supports and promotes New Zealand literature.
At the summit of Mount Victoria you’ll find one of Devonport’s disappearing guns, one of only a few left in the world. Historically, Mt. Victoria has a number of artillery emplacements and various concrete bunkers, one of which is now a music venue for the Devonport Folk Club.
Dotted around the summit of Mount Victoria you will also come across a colourfully painted mushroom field. These mushrooms are in fact the vents for a water pumping station which lies underneath the surface of the mountain.
Loved by locals and visitors, Mount Victoria is one of the best vantage points in all of Auckland. Enjoy spectacular views of the Auckland City Skyline and the stunning Waitemata Harbour..
ctto.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
santo t
Auckland, New Zealand7,589 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
It is a high spot, similar to the other high spots in Auckland, such as Mount Eden, One Tree Hills, or Owairaka Summit where people can enjoy the beautiful views of Auckland city below.
This Mount Victoria Reserve is the best place to see Auckland Central Business District and down town from the high point. An obstructed view to City Waterfront, down town, Business District with Sky City Tower as the Icon, and Auckland Port. To the East another beautiful view to Rangitoto Island in the foreground and Mission Bay at the background.
Accessible by walking, or by car to the summit through Kerr Street, not too far from Devonport Centre. Visitors have option visiting this site by car trip totally, or by a combination of walk and Ferry trip. The second option is a combination between mild physical exercises and beautiful trip by Ferry across the Waitemata Harbor, starting from Ferry Building at the Auckland downtown, crossing Waitemata Harbor by Ferry, arrive at Devonport Wharf, then walking approx.1km to the Mount Victoria Summit through shops, cafes and restaurants at town centre. Similar to the other High Point Observation sites, it is Free Entry.
Historically, this is one of the Defence Points (Forts) of Auckland during World War with a big "Disappearing Gun" which was used once only.
This Mount Victoria Reserve is the best place to see Auckland Central Business District and down town from the high point. An obstructed view to City Waterfront, down town, Business District with Sky City Tower as the Icon, and Auckland Port. To the East another beautiful view to Rangitoto Island in the foreground and Mission Bay at the background.
Accessible by walking, or by car to the summit through Kerr Street, not too far from Devonport Centre. Visitors have option visiting this site by car trip totally, or by a combination of walk and Ferry trip. The second option is a combination between mild physical exercises and beautiful trip by Ferry across the Waitemata Harbor, starting from Ferry Building at the Auckland downtown, crossing Waitemata Harbor by Ferry, arrive at Devonport Wharf, then walking approx.1km to the Mount Victoria Summit through shops, cafes and restaurants at town centre. Similar to the other High Point Observation sites, it is Free Entry.
Historically, this is one of the Defence Points (Forts) of Auckland during World War with a big "Disappearing Gun" which was used once only.
Written December 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Georgie
Perth, Australia178 contributions
Mar 2020
As part of the Devonport Explorer bus, we stopped here to take in the views and photos. The driver explained the history of the site.
It can also be accessed via foot from the ferry port.
It can also be accessed via foot from the ferry port.
Written April 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FabThink
Bern, Switzerland143 contributions
Dec 2019
Go uphill, take the gravel path that forks off to the left and enjoy a marvelous walk around and up that ancient volcano.
Written December 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LyndaSmith444
North Shore, New Zealand28 contributions
Jan 2019
The view from the top is always lovely with lots to see. We park the car along the waterfront in Devonport and walk from there.
The climb to the top is fairly gradual and not difficult, but would not be suitable for people who are physically handicapped.
The climb to the top is fairly gradual and not difficult, but would not be suitable for people who are physically handicapped.
Written September 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah M
Poulsbo, WA53 contributions
Sep 2018
I loved the view of the other islands at the top. It's an easy walk to the top and totally worth it.
Written August 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ccteix2015
Melbourne, Australia275 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
If you go on the top you can see the beautiful scenery of the area around it, which is Devonport and in the other side of the ocean you can see Auckland CBD ! Very nice place
Written May 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris S
Eglinton, UK641 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
This is a straightforward walk about 15 mins from ferry dock. Lovely views from the top and a bit of history thrown in as well
Written March 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingMount Victoria Reserve (Devonport) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Victoria Reserve
- We recommend booking Mount Victoria Reserve tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 7 Mount Victoria Reserve tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Mount Victoria Reserve:
- Auckland City Highlights, Afternoon Beach & Rainforest Tour (From $163.16)
- Auckland City Small-Group Morning Discovery Tour (From $57.59)
- Half-Day Auckland City Guided Tour (From $57.59)
- Auckland tours and transfers by hourly Booking (From $415.90)
- Devonport Explorer Tour Volcanoes, Heritage and Cultural sites (From $25.59)
- Hotels near Mount Victoria Reserve:
- (0.18 mi) Peace and Plenty Inn
- (0.13 mi) Devonport Motel
- (0.16 mi) Duder Homestead
- (0.20 mi) Parituhu Bed and Breakfast
- (0.20 mi) The Captain's Landing
- Restaurants near Mount Victoria Reserve:
- (0.13 mi) Corelli's
- (0.14 mi) Buona Sera
- (0.14 mi) Cafe Hung Viet
- (0.14 mi) Nicolino Restaurant & Cube Bar
- (0.14 mi) Flying Rickshaw
Mount Victoria Reserve Information
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