Mt Victoria was a Māori and is still a fortress of sorts, with the navy maintaining a presence.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Auckland attractions

1. Torpedo Bay Navy Museum

0.59 MILES

The navy has been in Devonport since the earliest days of the colony. Its history is on display at this well-presented and often moving museum, focusing…

2. North Head

0.74 MILES

North Head was a Māori pā and is still a fortress of sorts, with the navy maintaining a presence. It's riddled with tunnels, started at the end of the…

3. Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium

1.71 MILES

In this topsy-turvy aquarium sharks and stingrays swim over and around you in transparent tunnels that were once stormwater tanks. You can also enter the…

4. St Stephen’s Chapel

1.72 MILES

Tiny St Stephen's Chapel was built for the signing of the constitution of NZ's Anglican Church (1857).

5. Parnell Rose Garden

1.82 MILES

These formal gardens are blooming excellent from November to March. A stroll through Dove-Myer Robinson Park leads to peaceful Judges Bay and tiny St…

6. Lighthouse

1.92 MILES

Auckland's most recent installation of public art is this replica 'state house' – a form of public housing popular in NZ in the 1930s and 1940s – erected…

7. Bastion Point

2.04 MILES

Politics, harbour views and lush lawns combine on this pretty headland with a chequered history. An elaborate clifftop garden mausoleum honours Michael…

8. New Zealand Maritime Museum

2.23 MILES

This museum traces NZ’s seafaring history, from Māori voyaging canoes to the America’s Cup. Recreations include a tilting 19th-century steerage-class…