Our Family’s Favorite Beaches in Devonport

Before relocating from Seoul, we chose Devonport for two pretty practical reasons. The ferry to the CBD is only a 12-minute ride—perfect since my wife is studying there—and we’d heard great things about the local schools. That was really all we were looking for.

What we didn't see coming? Beaches. Parks. Playgrounds. Literally minutes away.

These days, almost every weekday at 3pm — right after school — we pack up the twins and head out to explore. It's become our little daily ritual. And honestly? It's one of the biggest reasons we've fallen so hard for living here.

So if you're visiting with kids — or even thinking about moving to this side of Auckland — here's where we actually go. All within about a 10-minute ride.

Devonport Beach (Windsor Reserve Area)

If you're arriving by ferry, this is literally the first beach you'll see.

Right next to the ferry terminal, Devonport Beach serves up one of the most iconic views in all of Auckland. That city skyline across the water? Stunning every single time. You'll want to stop and take a photo before you even get your bearings.

But for families, the real magic is everything around the beach.

There's a fantastic playground right by the water — honestly up there with the famous Takapuna Beach Playground — and it remains one of our twins' all-time favourite spots. There's also a wide grassy area that's perfect for picnics, or just letting the kids run wild and burn off all that after-school energy.

Want more details on local playgrounds? Read more about Devonport playgrounds with stunning beach views here.

The water here is usually calm and great for paddling and splashing around, though it's not really the place for serious swimming. Plenty of better options nearby for that.

One underrated bonus: right next door is the Devonport Library. Whenever the kids run out of steam, we duck inside for a breather. Kids' books, little play setups right at the entrance, and — every parent's hero — clean toilets.

📸 Watch stunning full-screen slideshows of Devonport here.

Quick Notes

• Crowd level: Can get busy on weekends, but rarely overwhelming.
• Swimming: Great for light water play and paddling, not ideal for serious laps.
• Facilities: Public toilets, outdoor showers, ferry terminal, and library nearby.
• Parking: Ferry terminal parking or nearby street parking (mix of free and paid).

Cheltenham Beach

There are a lot of great beaches around Devonport. But if I could only pick one for families? This is it. Every single time.

The experience here just feels different — in a way that's hard to explain until you actually show up.

Cheltenham is wide, peaceful, and somehow never overcrowded — even in the middle of summer. It's the kind of beach where you actually get to breathe. To be honest, I’m still surprised by how little-known Cheltenham Beach is. As of March 2026, it only has four ratings on Google Maps (and a small part of me hopes it stays that way just so it doesn't get too crowded.)

What makes it especially magical for kids is the tide. At low tide, the shoreline stretches way out, and you can walk along the exposed sand flats for ages. Our kids go absolutely wild hunting for tiny shells, starfish, and sand dollars — you can find dozens just by gently brushing the sand with your feet. It's basically a treasure hunt every time.

And when the tide is out far enough, you can wade a surprising distance before the water even gets deep. Swimming from out there gives you this incredible feeling — like you're floating in the middle of the ocean, with the Auckland skyline glowing behind you. Honestly, one of those moments.

Soft sand, gentle waves, plenty of space. It's the full package.

When you need a break from the beach, North Head is just a short walk away. It's a fascinating historical site with old WWII tunnels and gun emplacements. Our kids treat it like they're exploring a secret base. (And honestly, so do we.)

Quick Notes

• Crowd level: Quiet, even at peak summer.
• Swimming: Excellent, especially around mid to high tide.
• Relaxing / sunbathing: Excellent — lots of space to just sit and breathe.
• Facilities: Public toilets and changing areas available nearby.
• Parking: Street parking or a small lot near Cheltenham Rd / Oxford Terrace.

Tip: Want to really blow your kids' minds? Come back on a clear night. The stars here are something else entirely. Bring a blanket.

Narrow Neck Beach

Narrow Neck Beach came as a complete surprise. It’s very close to our kids’ school, and one day I accidentally took a wrong turn while picking them up. We immediately pulled over because the view was just too beautiful to pass by.

It’s conveniently located right by the road with plenty of parking, and there’s a small but charming playground. I honestly think it has one of the best views in the world while you’re on the swing.

Compared to Cheltenham, Narrow Neck has a different kind of charm. It's more compact, more low-key — and honestly, really easy.

That's exactly what makes it perfect for quick visits.

The beach is smaller, so you're in and out without any fuss — ideal for those after-school "just 30 minutes" trips that somehow, mysteriously, always stretch into an hour. (Every. Single. Time.) The water is usually calm, and there's a sweet little playground nearby that our kids absolutely love.

If you’re especially keen on playgrounds with water views, you can dive deeper into our dedicated Devonport playgrounds guide here.

For parents, the parking alone is a win. There's a large car park right across from the beach. No circling, no stress, no passive-aggressive parking lot standoffs. Bliss.

Right next door is Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve — open grassy fields, coastal views, and old military ruins that our kids are absolutely convinced are a hidden base. We don't correct them. Why would we?

If you happen to visit in the right year, you might catch the Sculpture on the Shore exhibition, which transforms the whole area into a giant outdoor art gallery. Really cool if you can time it right.

Quick Notes

• Crowd level: Moderate, but rarely overwhelming.
• Swimming: Good, usually calm and kid-friendly.
• Facilities: Public toilets and changing areas available.
• Parking: Large, easy car park right across the road.

Takapuna Beach — Technically Not Devonport, But...

Okay. Takapuna Beach is technically not in Devonport. I know, I know. But it's a 10-minute drive, and leaving it off this list would just feel wrong.

This is one of the most popular beaches in Auckland, and it earns every bit of that reputation — loudly and proudly.

Wide beach, soft sand, excellent swimming, and those jaw-dropping views of Rangitoto Island sitting right there in front of you. It never, ever gets old. Like, never.

For families, the star attraction is the Takapuna Beach Playground — one of the best in the entire city, full stop. There's even a dedicated toddler area, so it genuinely works for kids of all ages. Tiny humans included.

Curious how Takapuna stacks up against other North Shore playgrounds? Check our in-depth guide to the best playgrounds with beach views.

📸 Watch stunning full-screen slideshows of Takapuna Beach here.

The surrounding area is also packed with great cafes and restaurants, including solid Korean and Japanese options — which, coming from Seoul, we very much appreciate.

The only real downside? Weekends can get busy, and parking requires a bit of patience. Go early, grab a coffee, and enjoy having the place mostly to yourself before the crowds roll in.

Quick Notes

• Crowd level: Busy, especially on weekends and sunny holidays.
• Swimming: Excellent, with a long, swimmable shoreline.
• Facilities: Full facilities including toilets, showers, and nearby cafes.
• Parking: Can be tricky at peak times — go early if you can.

I didn't move to Devonport for the beaches. I moved here for a 12-minute ferry and a good school. But these beaches — they've become something else entirely. They're not a destination for us. They're just Tuesday afternoon. And I genuinely think that kind of everyday access to this much natural beauty is pretty rare, even in Auckland.

If you're visiting, I hope this helps you figure out where to spend those precious few afternoons. And if you're thinking about moving here with kids, well — I can tell you from experience: having Cheltenham, Devonport Beach, Narrow Neck, and Takapuna all within reach changes the rhythm of family life in the best possible way.