Where should you see Auckland’s night skyline? And where on earth do you buy a ferry ticket to Devonport? If you’re wondering about either, this guide is for you. We got lost at the ferry terminal so you don’t have to.
In this post: why we chose Devonport, where to buy Devonport ferry tickets (and where not to), the ferry ride, a walk around Devonport, the night view from Mount Victoria, and the real highlight: the ferry ride back toward the city lights. I visited in September 2025.
Devonport night view at a glance
- Ferry: Downtown Ferry Terminal, Pier 2 → Devonport Wharf
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes (in the evening when we went)
- Ride time: Felt like 10 to 20 minutes (Auckland Transport says about 12 minutes)
- Tickets: The Downtown Ferry Terminal ticket counter, not the Fullers360 kiosks or office
- Mount Victoria: About a 10-minute walk from the village, then about 10 minutes uphill
- What to wear (September): Long sleeves and long pants were enough
- Heads-up: No street lights on the hill path, so it gets very dark at night
In this guide
- Why we picked Devonport
- Getting to the Downtown Ferry Terminal
- Where to buy Devonport ferry tickets
- Riding the ferry to Devonport
- Walking around Devonport
- Mount Victoria night view
- The ferry back: the real highlight
- Downtown Auckland at night
- Is it worth it?
- FAQ
Why we picked Devonport for Auckland night views
We went back and forth for ages about whether to see the night view from Mount Eden or somewhere else, and finally settled on Devonport, which was already on our shortlist. (You can read about our afternoon on Mount Eden in my Auckland day 1 itinerary.)
From Devonport, the whole Auckland skyline stretches out across the water, Sky Tower included. We’d also loved the ferry ride we took in Sydney, so we wanted to cross the harbor by ferry here too and look back at the city. (This decision took many, many rounds of discussion.)
I wouldn’t call it a must-do, but read on and decide for yourself. I’ve summed up who it’s best for at the end.
Getting to the Downtown Ferry Terminal
We were dropped off by car right at the Downtown Ferry Terminal. Look for the yellow “Downtown” sign. Downtown Ferry Terminal Pier 2 on Google Maps
It was fun to see a “station” for ferries instead of trains. There was a tempting gelato shop near the entrance, too.
Where to buy Devonport ferry tickets (avoid our mistake)
Here’s where we went wrong. Walk further into the terminal and you’ll reach Pier 13, which is for ferries to Waiheke Island. If you’re heading to Devonport, don’t go all the way in. Find the right ticket counter first.
Waiheke is hugely popular, especially for winery tours, but it looked like it needed a full day, so we skipped it this time.
Next, we tried to buy tickets at the Fullers360 self-service kiosks… but we just couldn’t find a ticket to Devonport. (Maybe it was us.)
There was also a separate Fullers360 ticket office outside, so we went there. The sign literally said “We DO NOT sell tickets to Devonport.”
They sent us to the Downtown Ferry Terminal ticket counter, which had been right in front of us the whole time. We’d wandered around for 10 minutes for nothing. Look at the timetable in the top left and you’ll see Devonport listed.
According to Auckland Transport (AT), Devonport tickets can be bought at the AT customer service center at Pier 1 in the Downtown Ferry Terminal, or from the AT HOP machine at Devonport Wharf (AT official info, as of 2026).
Bottom line: Buy Devonport ferry tickets at the Downtown Ferry Terminal ticket counter, not from Fullers360.
Riding the ferry to Devonport (Pier 2)
If I remember right, the ticket was a little token. You tap it at the gate and walk through. The Devonport ferry leaves from Pier 2.
The departure board showed 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30: one ferry every 30 minutes, so you don’t want to miss one. We took the 5pm ferry.
There’s a small snack counter on board, and a few people wheeled their bikes on. Upstairs there are plenty of seats, though nobody was sitting inside. From the upper deck you get a great look at the Downtown Ferry Terminal building, which is beautiful.
Arriving and walking around Devonport
We reached Devonport Wharf faster than expected, in about 10 to 20 minutes as I remember it (AT says about 12). When you get off, tap your ticket on the Tag on/off reader. Devonport Ferry Terminal on Google Maps
A red-legged gull welcomed us to Devonport.
I wish the sky had been a bit clearer, but at least it wasn’t cold. In September, long sleeves and pants were enough.
We passed a library and a playground. Away from the city center, Devonport felt quiet and laid-back. After a short stroll, we grabbed dinner while we waited for the sun to go down.
We ate at Corelli’s Cafe and were really happy with it. Here’s my full Corelli’s Cafe Devonport review.
Mount Victoria (Takarunga): the night view spot
After dinner, a walk of about 10 minutes brought us to the Takarunga / Mt Victoria sign, and from there it was another 10 minutes or so uphill. Calling it a hike would be a stretch; it’s more of a gentle hill. The ferry terminal, Corelli’s Cafe and Mount Victoria are all close to each other. Mount Victoria (Takarunga) on Google Maps
Partway up, Auckland’s lights started twinkling far off in the distance.
But even before the trail proper, there was hardly anyone around, and it was genuinely a bit scary. There are no street lights, so it was pitch dark. We didn’t make it to the summit and took our photos on the way up instead.
Safety tip: If you go at night, go with someone, not alone.
One couple was up there with a serious camera. Still, with almost nobody around and no lights, it was a bit of a letdown. That said, zoomed in about 4x, the skyline looked amazing, Sky Tower and all.
The ferry back: the real highlight
We walked back to Devonport Wharf and took the ferry back. You can find the timetable on Google Maps, and return ferries also run every 30 minutes. For official info, see the Auckland Transport ferry ticket page.
This was the highlight of our Devonport trip: watching Auckland’s glowing skyline get closer and closer as the ferry glides in. This is exactly why we took the ferry. Seeing the city lights from the water is magical.
A night walk around downtown Auckland
Back downtown, everything looked lovely after dark. The red lamp posts gave it a slightly English feel.
Who knew a ferry building could look this good?
Downtown also has a luxury shopping strip with Dior, Graff, Prada, Bulgari, Van Cleef & Arpels and Swarovski. I spotted T2, the Australian tea brand I love, and a Pop Mart, too.
Is Devonport worth it for the night view?
Go if…
- You want to see Auckland’s skyline from a different angle.
Skip it if…
- You don’t enjoy ferries.
- You’d rather see more of the city.
For me, the best part by far was the ferry ride back past the city lights. Next time, I want to give Waiheke Island a proper day; I hear cycling around the island is lovely.
In one line: The real star of a Devonport night view trip is the ferry ride back.
FAQ
Where do I buy a ferry ticket to Devonport?
At the Downtown Ferry Terminal ticket counter. The Fullers360 office we tried does not sell Devonport tickets, and we couldn’t find Devonport on the Fullers360 kiosk. AT says you can also buy at the Pier 1 customer service center or the AT HOP machine at Devonport Wharf.
Which pier does the Devonport ferry leave from?
Pier 2 at the Downtown Ferry Terminal.
How often does the Devonport ferry run?
Every 30 minutes in the evening when we went (17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30), and the same on the way back.
Is Mount Victoria safe at night?
The path has no street lights and was nearly deserted when we went, so it felt a little unnerving. Go with a companion and bring a light.
More Auckland guides
I hope this saves you the 10 minutes of wandering we did. Enjoy the ferry ride!
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