North Head Historic Reserve
Introduction
North Head is a small strategic headland at the mouth of Auckland's Waitemata Harbour. Its commanding views over the Hauraki Gulf and inner harbour have made it an important lookout and defence site for centuries, first for early Maori inhabitants and later for European settlers.
Location
North Head is located at the mouth of Auckland's Waitemata Harbour.
Getting there
The coastal walkway offers stunning views
of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland city
From Devonport, follow King Edward Parade along the waterfront and you will see signs to North Head. Vehicle access is via Takarunga Road.
Ferries run regularly between downtown Auckland and Devonport. Contact Fullers Ferries ph +64 9 367 9118.
A tour bus runs from the ferry to North Head seven days a week, meeting the ferries from 10am to 3pm. Contact Devonport Tours: ph +64 9 357 6366 or +64 0800 868 774.
Features
Disappearing gun at North Head
North Head was one of a number of defence forts that were rapidly set up in the late 1800s to defend Auckland from a feared Russian attack. The fort was later expanded as part of Auckland's coastal defence system during World Wars I and II.
A complex of tunnels, guns, searchlights and other fortifications make this a fascinating area to explore. It is now a historic reserve managed by the Department of Conservation.
You can learn more about the history of North Head by watching the film on show in the 1885 stone kitchen, now a theatre, open daily from 8.30am-4pm.
1885 stone kitchen on North Head
Activities
Dog walking
Historic sites
Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash at all times. No permit is required. DOC may impose conditions, including conditions on access during vulnerable conservation periods such as bird nesting seasons. Find out more about dog access on conservation land.
Things to see and do:
- Walking
- World War I & II military sites
- Watch the film about North Head's history
- Self-guided walk
- Picnicking
- Harbour/Gulf views
Tracks and walks
The 2-km self-guided North Head Historic Walk will introduce you to the military history of North Head. Learn about the defences that were placed on the headland to protect Auckland from feared Russian invasions.
A self-guided walk begins at the main car park and leads you through tunnels and to guns, searchlights and other features of North Head's military defences. The reserve also has several good lookout points.
Plan and prepare
Because of holes, sudden drops and uneven surfaces, especially in the tunnels, take care when exploring the reserve and supervise children at all times.
Please:
- Keep dogs on leashes at all times and remove dog litter.
- Do not light fires.
- Please take your rubbish away with you. There are no bins on North Head.
- Do not remove or disturb any artefacts or other historic remains.
- Do not camp on the reserve.
Non-compliance with these conditions may result in prosecution.
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