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North Head historic reserve lies across the bay from Auckland city, at the end of Devonport. It’s one of the first places we tend to take visitors to enjoy the expansive panoramic views of the city and the surrounding waters. We also bring a torch (flashlight) and explore the abandoned military tunnel complex.

The Maori people were the first to use this extinct volcano for defence. Later, in the late 1800s, it became one of many ideal spots for New Zealand’s military to set up a defence site protecting the country from the perceived threat of Russian invasion. We have also seen defence sites in Shakespear Park, Mission Bay, and Wellington.

We visited recently and enjoyed climbing the hillsides, walking through the maze of the military tunnels, examining the cannons and gun encasements, and we learned about the history through a free 20-minute movie in the old stone kitchen.

Entering the North Head tunnels

Entrance to one of the tunnels at North Head Historic Reserve in Devonport New Zealand
One of my girls entering the tunnel complex at North Head Historic Reserve
Bring a flashlight if you are going Inside the military tunnel complex at North Head Historic Reserve in New Zealand
Bring a torch (flashlight) if you want to explore every corner of the tunnels. Many of the corridors are blocked off, bringing you to unexpected dead ends. However, the maze-like series of tunnels have frequent exits so there is no worry of getting trapped.

Disappearing Gun

Disappearing Gun at North Head Historic Reserve in Devonport originally built to protect Auckland New Zealand
It was called a disappearing gun because it vanished underground after each shot. It was state-of-the-art when installing in 1887.

Former Military Buildings

Military buildings at North Head Historic Reserve outside of Auckland New Zealand
Old military buildings at North Head
Military building at North Head Historic Reserve in New Zealand
A closer look

Beautiful Views Surround the North Head tunnels

Stunning natural views in all directions, it is no wonder this spot was chosen for defence. All the land here is part of the Auckland Park system.

View from a tunnel exit at North Head in New Zealand
View from the first exit we came to in the tunnels.
Now ornamental these cannons once guarded the shore at North Head in Devonport New Zealand
Now ornamental, four cannons appear to guard the shore, with a larger one just behind (out of view in this shot).
Two yachts on the Hauraki Gulf
View looking out from the cannons
Auckland as seen from North Head in Devonport New Zealand
My best shot of Auckland from North Head.

Practical information on visiting North Head

  • We always drive as there is plenty of parking at the bottom and the top of the hill. Plus, we also bring our guests to nearby Mount Victoria for different views of the city and fabulous sunsets.
  • The ferry from Auckland to Devonport wharf takes only 12 minutes, and then you can enjoy a 1.5 km walk along the waterfront to North Head historic reserve.
  • It’s free to enter and open from 6 am to 10 pm, although the vehicle gates close at 8 pm.
  • A visit to North Head is just one of 75 free or nearly free things to do in Auckland.

Have you visited North Head Historic Reserve? Would you go into the tunnels?

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Tunnel entrance at North Head Historic Reserve in New Zealand

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Comments

  3. Hi Rhonda – they’re looking to do something with our Redoubt – which is historic … as it’s a Napoleonic fort -but the sea, weather and wear and tear are making it an expensive save … but these look amazing … and I’d love to visit the area … great views – cheers Hilary

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  4. We tend to stay away from the ‘big city’ when we travel, although I know we will get around to places like this eventually. It’s good to have the info that you provide! good luck with the ‘perfect’ picture for your book. I don’t think I could settle on just one!

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  10. What wonderful photos! The colors are so inviting. I look forward to doing the A to Z blog challenge and thank you for the encouraging comment. 🙂

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  13. Thanks for sharing so much interesting info about this site & I would visit if I am ever fortunate to visit Auckland. Your photos are a joy & congrats on your soon to be released guide book!

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  17. What an interesting place to visit. It’s a piece of the past, and then you have the beautiful views outside. I’d like to go in a missile silo here in the U.S. Some people have purchased them and turned them into interesting homes. It would take a lot of work.

    Love,
    Janie

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