North Head (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is North Head?
What makes it 49% Baby-Friendly: Prams struggle on steep, uneven trails and no nursing or changing rooms exist, yet parents can drive near the summit and use grassy spots or car for feeds; visit is doable but requires extra effort.
Positives:
- Easy car access: You can drive partway up for views, avoiding uneven trails.
- Free museum and film: No entry fees for the Navy Museum or Old Kitchen history film.
Challenges:
- No baby-change facilities: Public toilets lack change tables—bring a portable mat and use open benches.
- Trails not pram-friendly: Main loops have steps and rough ground; skip trails or use a baby carrier.
What is North Head?
- A volcanic headland on Auckland’s North Shore forming the eastern promontory of Waitematā Harbour
- A historic reserve preserving nineteenth- and twentieth-century coastal defenses, tunnels and summit structures
- A landscape of native bush and grassy ridges atop a volcanic cone overlooking Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf
What is so special about North Head for with baby?
- Drive-up summit views without steep walking
- Free film and museum with pram access on level floors
- Flat beach promenade for stroller rides and baby paddles
- Simple sweet stop at pram-friendly Devonport Chocolates
Note: North Head is 49% Baby-Friendly. You may want to consider other Baby-Friendly Things to Do in Auckland for a more suitable experience.
Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours
Why 2–3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time to drive to the summit, enjoy the museum film, stroll the beach promenade and rest with the baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in North Head
Drive-up summit viewpoint:
Park near the summit building and enjoy coastal views without a steep walk.
Tip: Use the short flat path from the car to avoid trails with steps.
Old Kitchen history film:
Watch the 20-minute film about North Head’s military past in the restored kitchen.
Tip: Call ahead to confirm pram access to the screening room.
Torpedo Bay Navy Museum:
Explore free interactive exhibits on naval history just below North Head.
Tip: Check level-floor access for your stroller before you go.
Cheltenham Beach promenade:
Push the pram along a flat path and let the baby paddle at low tide.
Tip: Look up tide times so the pools are shallow and safe.
Devonport Chocolates:
Watch chocolatiers hand-make truffles and pick up a sweet treat.
Tip: The street-level entrance fits most prams comfortably.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to North Head
- Visit the museum during nap time: A dark, quiet gallery gives the baby a calm place to rest in the stroller.
- Use Devonport Library: Pop in nearby for a private bathroom and quiet seating if needed.
Reviews of North Head
Julio Yanes
North Head / Maungauika – A Day Trip Worth Every Step If you're staying in Auckland, a day trip to North Head in Devonport is a must. Just a quick and scenic 20-minute ferry ride (around $20 round trip) from the city, Devonport feels like a world away—and North Head is its crown jewel. This ancient volcanic cone offers a rich blend of natural beauty and layered history. Once a Māori pā site and ...
Gum Drops
Like everyone has said, INCREDIBLE view. Well worth a visit. We went whilst my grandmother was at an appointment and it was a lovely little fund. Don’t have to be there that long to enjoy it. Not only was the view good but the tunnels and big gun were fun and interesting aswell
Malcolm Young
2024: Well worth checking out on a sunny day. The breathtaking 360° coastline views alone warrant the journey, but exploration of the old battery tunnels and remnants of World War II, gives insight into times past.
Jacob Renata
Great view of the city, good walk. Some areas of the fort and tunnels need more lighting, otherwise very nice.
Kathryn Bickerton
A fun place to explore in the tunnels. Great that there is free access to everything. A number of helpful information boards around. Lovely scenic views. A number of car parks - lower and further up. Well worth the visit. Great for a free thing to do in Auckland.
When is the best time to visit North Head (Auckland, New Zealand)?
Summer days suit beach paddles at low tide. Winter winds can be strong—pack a warm windbreaker.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Return ferry tickets (2 adults) | NZD 25 |
| On-street parking (2 h) | NZD 2 |
| Devonport Chocolates treats | NZD 10 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 37 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of North Head
Address: North Head, Devonport, Auckland 0624, New Zealand
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides North Head (Auckland)?
About North Head
10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇳🇿 New Zealand, with baby
🇺🇸 United States, with baby
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with baby
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities