North Harbour Travel Guide

Plan your trip to North Harbour with our helpful travel guide, featuring must-visit attractions, hiking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to North Harbour

North Harbour is a beautiful suburb located in Auckland, Auckland Region, North Island, in New Zealand, and can be found in the Oceania region. The area is known for its fantastic food, stunning views, and rich cultural heritage. It’s a perfect destination for travelers looking for outdoor adventures and a bit of exploration.

List of Places to Visit in North Harbour

Here are some must-visit attractions in North Harbour that you should add to your travel itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The North Shore Historical Society Museum: It’s a great place to learn about the area’s history, culture, and heritage.
  • The New Zealand Maritime Museum: This museum displays a vast collection of maritime artifacts from New Zealand’s rich history.
  • The Auckland War Memorial Museum: It’s a fantastic place to learn about the region’s military history, with exhibits ranging from World War I to present-day conflicts.
  • The Matakana Village: This historic village is a great place to visit if you want to experience some authentic New Zealand culture and heritage.

Natural Attractions of North Harbour: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Harbour Bridge: It’s an iconic landmark of the area and offers a stunning view of the harbor.
  • The Long Bay Regional Park: This park is perfect for hiking, picnicking, and sunbathing, offering scenic views and a beautiful beach.
  • Shakespear Regional Park: This park is a great place to visit if you want to experience some of New Zealand’s wildlife and fauna.
  • Devonport: This suburb located on the north shore is a great place to explore the local culture, with plenty of shops, cafes and stunning views from the top of Mount Victoria.

Hiking/Biking Routes of North Harbour

North Harbour is filled with excellent biking and hiking routes, and the beautiful scenery makes for a perfect outdoor adventure. Some of the best routes are:

  • Albany Coastal Walkway: This scenic walk offers stunning views of the harbor and is a perfect place to relax and unwind.
  • Shakespear Regional Park Coastal Walkway: A 5 km walking track in the Shakespear Regional Park which includes stunning coastal views.
  • Orewa Estuary Path: This path starts from the Orewa Beach and follows the Orewa Estuary for stunning nature views.

Best Things to Do in North Harbour: Activities and Tours

North Harbour is filled with activities and tours for all types of travelers. Some of the best things to do are:

  • Take a Wine Tour: The area offers several world-famous wineries, offering wine tours for visitors.
  • Visit the Microbreweries: If you’re a beer lover, visiting the local microbreweries is a must-do activity.
  • Go Boutique Shopping: North Harbour is dotted with several upmarket boutiques and shops that offer excellent shopping experiences.
  • Visit the Farmers Market: Every Sunday, the Takapuna Market off the Hurstmere Road provides visitors with organic and fresh produce, clothing, and crafts.

Week-Long Itinerary for North Harbour

Here’s an itinerary for your week-long stay in North Harbour:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum
2 Explore Devonport Village and North Shore Beaches
3 Visit the North Shore Historical Society Museum
4 Take a wine tour and visit the wineries
5 Hike to the Long Bay Regional Park
6 Visit the New Zealand Maritime Museum
7 Explore Shakespear Regional Park

Food and Drink Scene of North Harbour

North Harbour offers an excellent food and drink scene for foodies and wine lovers. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish & Chips: This classic Kiwi dish is a must-try when visiting North Harbour.
  • Kai Moana: Kai Moana is a dish made with fresh seafood, which is readily available in North Harbour.
  • Hangi: Hangi is a traditional Maori dish made from meat and vegetables and slow-cooked in an earth oven, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor.

Local Beverages

  • New Zealand Wine: North Harbour is home to several world-famous wineries, making it a perfect destination for wine lovers.
  • Craft Beer: North Harbour is dotted with local breweries that offer excellent craft beer.

Where to Stay in North Harbour: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

North Harbour offers several accommodation options for travelers, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to lavish resorts. Some of the best options are:

  • The Spencer on Byron Hotel: It’s a luxury hotel with excellent amenities and stunning views of North Harbour’s skyline
  • VR Takapuna: A budget-friendly hotel with great options to explore the nearby Takapuna village and beaches
  • Harbourside Apartment Hotel: Offers fully furnished apartments with waterfront views. Ideal for couples and families.

What to Buy in North Harbour: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

North Harbour offers several unique souvenirs and local products that you can bring back home. Here are some great options:

  • Manuka Honey: Manuka honey is a popular product of New Zealand and North Harbour, known for its antibacterial properties and health benefits.
  • Pounamu: Also known as Greenstone, Pounamu is a type of jade found in New Zealand and is widely used in jewelry.
  • Merino Wool: New Zealand is known for its excellent quality Merino wool, which makes soft and comfortable clothing.

Local Culture and Customs of North Harbour

North Harbour has a rich cultural heritage, and it’s essential to respect the local culture and customs. The Maori culture is an important part of the region, and visitors should attend a Marae or meeting-house welcome ceremony, which is an integral part of the Maori culture.

Best Time to Visit North Harbour

The best time to visit North Harbour is during the spring and the autumn seasons as the weather is pleasant and enjoyable. The period between March to May and September to November is ideal for visiting North Harbour.

Do’s and Don’ts of North Harbour

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Visit the wineries and breweries if you’re a wine or beer lover.
  • Try the local cuisine and delicacies.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter in public places or harm the wildlife.
  • Don’t disrespect the local culture and customs .
  • Don’t forget to tip in restaurants and cafes.

Safety and Health

Safety in North Harbour

North Harbour is a safe place to travel, but it’s essential to take safety precautions like locking your valuables in hotel safes, being aware of your surroundings, and taking care of your belongings.

Health in North Harbour

North Harbour has an excellent healthcare system, and it’s essential to have travel insurance to cover any medical emergencies. It’s also important to carry medications and personal hygiene products.

Getting to North Harbour: Transportation Options and Logistics

North Harbour is well connected by air, road, and sea.

Airports Near North Harbour

  • The Auckland Airport: The largest airport in New Zealand, is a 30-minute drive from North Harbour.

Bus Stations Near North Harbour

  • North Shore Bus Station: Directly connects with downtown Auckland.

Other Options

  • Ferry Services connect Devonport and North Harbour with Auckland’s central business district.

How to Get Around in North Harbour

North Harbour offers several transportation options for visitors.

  • Taxis and Ridesharing Services: Easily available from all major locations in North Harbour.
  • Self-Drive: One of the best ways to explore North Harbour is by renting a car or motorcycle.
  • Public Transportation: Buses and light rails are an affordable and convenient mode of transportation.

Where to Go Next from North Harbour: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions that you can plan to visit after North Harbour:

  • Waiheke Island
  • The Coromandel Peninsula
  • Rotorua

Conclusion

North Harbour is a great destination for all types of travelers, with its beautiful scenery, rich culture, culinary delights and exciting activities. Plan your next trip to North Harbour and explore all that this beautiful suburb has to offer!

Looking north from North Head, near Devonport (New Zealand) Looking north from North Head, near Devonport (New Zealand)


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