"Keeweechic's Devonport" a Devonport Travel Page by keeweechic

Devonport is one Auckland’s delightful historic beach suburbs situated on the north shore. Just a ferry ride from the hustle and bustle of Auckland’s downtown. It is also at the southern point of North Shore City which was one of the earliest settled areas of Auckland. While Maori fortified settlements are believed to have been occupied around there from 1350, European settlements began in the mid 1800’s with farming and shipbuilding.

Devonport was initially referred to as The Island because of its connection by only a narrow causeway (known as Narrow Neck) to the rest of the North Shore. In 1840 a flagstaff was raised on the highest hill (Mt Victoria) and the town became known as Flagstaff.

Deep water anchorage was found nearby and the area became the base for the Navy the area was renamed Devonport after the English naval town. The drydock when it was opened in 1888, was at the time the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and today, the Royal New Zealand Davy still has its national base there.

Boat ownership is high amongst the residents of Devonport. Two local yacht clubs have produced world renowned sailors and designers - Sir Peter Blake who was tragically murdered, and Bruce Farr - both were from Devonport.

The Devonport lifestyle is relaxed with locals being made up of writers, poets, artists, actors, musicians. There is a strong sense of community and some are still residing in the houses where they were born. Devonport has a warmth and coziness and a feel of a time gone by. My morning cuppa always reminds me of Devonport... I got my kiwi coffee mug there.