North Shore

Situated near the heart of Auckland on the shores of the Waitemata Harbour, the North Shore is known for its magnificent beaches. Affectionately known as "the Shore", it is linked to Auckland's central business district by short drive over Auckland Harbour Bridge or a ferry ride across Auckland Harbour.

North Shore

Almost entirely surrounded by sea, the city has a 140-kilometre urban coastline. North Shore was once the site of a Mâori pa or fortified village of the local Kawerau tribe. Following the arrival of European settlers from the 1850s, small townships developed in Devonport, Takapuna and Northcote.

The first harbour ferry service, linking Devonport with Auckland's Central Business District, began with whaleboats in 1854. Later in the century the Devonport Steam Ferry began operations and ferries scuttled back and forward across the harbour.

Through the course of the 19th Century the North Shore continued to develop with the help of the brickwork, timber and ship building industries. The Shore also came to be viewed as a playground for Aucklanders, and by the late 1870s several new hotels had sprung up.

Development on the Shore continued, with the help of Auckland's inner city building boom in the late 1870s and early 1880s.

North Shore grew steadily until Auckland's Harbour Bridge opened in 1959. The direct road link with Auckland's Central Business District made North Shore more accessible and spawned massive growth in both industry and housing.

Sign me up

Receive the latest information about ticket inclusive travel packages straight to your inbox