Franz ElizIt’s spring time in Auckland! And what better way to spend the weekend than to explore what the city has to offer?
This month, I visited Kauri Glen Reserve, Takapuna, and Devonport. I really enjoyed my time there. Usually, I get very busy around this time of the year. Work can get quite hectic in October. But 2026 is a little different; things have been moving rather slowly. I thought, why not go outside and have fun? The weather was great, thankfully. I took plenty of nice photos and spent the whole day walking under the sun.
Takapuna was my favourite of the three places mentioned. It offers a spectacular city and ocean view.
It’s also home to Takapuna Fort, which played an important role in New Zealand’s coastal defence network during WWII.
Note that Takapuna’s beach is family-friendly, so expect some crowd, especially on warmer days and on weekends. But if you walk further up the beach, you’ll find more solitude.
Kauri Glen Reserve is a park in Auckland — it’s free to enter. Here visitors can spot birds like the tūī, kererū (New Zealand wood pigeon), pīwakawaka (fantail), and kōtare (kingfisher). The park’s highlight is its elevated treetop bridge. Well-maintained, family-friendly, and peaceful, Kauri Glen Reserve is a gem tucked in the middle of Auckland, perfect for relaxing strolls.
At Devonport (one of Auckland’s earliest European colonial settlements), visitors can take a stroll along the ocean. Many sailing boats are moored at Devonport. Kitesurf enthusiasts also enjoy coming here.
There are beautiful churches at Devonport. One of the ones I visited was St Paul’s Church, also known as St Paul’s Presbyterian Church. The church, with a Gothic-inspired architecture, was built between 1916 and 1917. Fun fact: The church also serves as a function venue. Next to the church is a graveyard. I stopped by to learn the names of some of the early settlers.
There’s a golf course at Devonport. I saw parrots flying in the area. They were so beautiful. Ducks and pigeons could also be seen hanging around a local pond nearby. They were quite friendly, probably because some people may have fed them before. However, feeding the ducks is discouraged.
Before heading back home, I sat down near the Auckland port for some beers. To my surprise, I saw a pod of dolphins swimming. It was my first time seeing dolphins swimming in the wild. What a mesmerising sight to behold!
Note: While dolphins can be seen swimming near the port all year round, seeing them may take a bit of luck, depending on the time of your visit. I would love to see orcas next!
