Living your best life, on Auckland’s North Shore

There’s a special, sunny feeling, heading out over the Harbour Bridge and into the region known as Auckland’s North Shore.

Families are drawn to this area for its safe neighbourhoods, great schools, excellent recreational facilities and outdoor activities. Professionals appreciate the central location and easy commute to the CBD. While retirees enjoy the peaceful, relaxed pace of life here.

The district covers a large area, extending from Devonport in the South to Hobsonville out west and Long Bay to the north.

There’s picture-perfect scenery at every turn - like the dramatic cliffs of North Head, the gentle sweep of Takapuna Beach and the oasis of Milford Reserve - all set against a stunning backdrop of the Waitematā Harbour, with sparkling views out to Rangitoto Island and beyond.

Whatever you enjoy, be it a leisurely stroll along the coast, action on the water, upscale shopping or casual dining out, there’s something for everyone here.

The cultural scene is equally as enticing, with bustling weekend markets, art galleries, theatres and festivals, reflecting the region's rich and diverse population base.

North Shore Lifestyle & Community: A place to belong.

The Shore is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and laid-back lifestyle. Neighbourhoods tend to be close-knit, with residents looking out for one another and taking pride in their communities.

There’s a real sense of togetherness here, fostered through a range of local events, schools, clubs, initiatives and projects.

Out and about: Auckland North Shore Lifestyle

The Shore's many beaches, parks, playgrounds and reserves serve as communal backyards, where locals can often be found walking dogs, jogging, playing sports and enjoying nature.

The region's love of the outdoors is complemented by a commitment to environmental conservation, with a host of groups involved in activities like beach clean-ups and native bush restoration projects.

Always on: Auckland North Shore Events

Year-round, the North Shore hums with activity, with a full calendar of events to bring people together.

From the excitement of the hotly-contended North Shore Marathon and the magic of the Takapuna Winter Lights Festival, to the joy and colour of the Devonport Arts Festival, there’s always something on the go and things to do, showcasing the region’s adventurous, artistic and communal spirit.

Join in: Auckland North Shore Clubs and Groups

There are many clubs and groups on the Shore, catering to a wide range of interests.

Sailing clubs are prominent, as are rowing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding clubs. The Mairangi Bay Surf Lifesaving Club has been a fixture since 1954.

There are also golf courses, tennis courts, volleyball centres, netball stadiums and rugby fields, for land-based sports enthusiasts. The Netball North Harbour stadium has been a fixture since 1952.

Cultural groups thrive here too, with community theatres, music groups and art collectives adding to the area’s vibrant cultural scene.

Local libraries and centres offer a range of activities and classes, from language learning to art workshops to yoga, tai chi and bridge.

Locals say: Living in North Shore Auckland

Residents often speak highly of the North Shore's quality of life - describing it as a healthy mix of outdoor enjoyment, community involvement and a relaxed, beach-side vibe that is unique to this coastal part of Auckland.

North Shore Amenities & Facilities: Embrace easy!

Whatever’s at the top of your list, be it great schools, the need for public transport or the latest medical care, the North Shore has it all. It’s a thriving hub where you can find what you need when you need it - with excellent accessibility and amenities for residents.

In the zone: North Shore Auckland Schools

The Shore is home to some of the country’s top-ranking secondary schools, such as Westlake Boys' and Westlake Girls' High, both known for academic excellence, sporting prowess and extracurricular programmes.

Rangitoto College is another popular option, as is Kristin, which is a private, co-ed school catering to early childhood through to Year 13.

Albany Senior High and Albany Junior are also worth a mention, for innovation in education and focus on academic achievement.

Standout primary schools in the area include Campbells Bay School, Sunnynook School, Takapuna Primary School and Browns Bay School - all recognised for supportive and engaging learning environments and strong community involvement.

Go well: North Shore Auckland Medical Facilities

Whether it’s a routine check-up or more specialised care, Shore residents have access to some of the best healthcare services in the region.

The area includes key facilities like the North Shore Hospital, with its Accident & Emergency, inpatient care, and various specialist and surgical services.

There’s a wide variety of local GP clinics to choose from, and an extensive network of specialist providers, covering areas like cardiology, orthopaedics and paediatrics.

The region also boasts a number of community health services and private clinics, serving everything from mental health support to maternity care. 

On the move: North Shore Auckland Public Transport

Getting around the North Shore and into the city is relatively seamless, thanks to a well-connected public transport system and proximity to main routes like State Highway 1’s Northern Motorway and the Upper Harbour Highway.

For commuters, the Northern Busway offers a rapid transit experience that side-steps motorway congestion, with stations like Smales Farm and Constellation boasting Park and Ride facilities and serving as easy ‘hop on, hop off’ hubs.

Ferry services are popular too, running regularly from Devonport, Bayswater, Birkenhead, Northcote Point and Hobsonville Point into Auckland’s CBD, offering passengers an efficient yet peaceful and scenic start or end to the day.

North Shore Leisure & Activities: Unwind and explore.

The North Shore Auckland is a great place for those who appreciate an active and culturally rich lifestyle.

Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, culinary delights, great places to shop or entertainment, this region offers a host of options.

See you seaside: North Shore Auckland Beaches

The North Shore's coastline is dotted with stunning beaches, making it a haven for swimmers and sun-seekers alike.

The area’s most well-known strip of sand, Takapuna Beach, offers a lively atmosphere with its cafés and playground, while the quieter shores of Cheltenham, Milford and Long Bay are perfect for family outings.

Swimming spots on the inner harbour are easily accessed from suburbs like Birkenhead, Beach Haven and Northcote Point.

Let’s play: North Shore Auckland Parks & Reserves

The region's sprawling green spaces, such as Barry's Point Reserve and Long Bay Regional Park, are perfect for those who love to walk, run, or cycle amidst nature's beauty.

For families, the Chelsea Estate Heritage Park offers a fascinating glimpse into New Zealand's sweet history, while Little Shoal Bay and Windsor Reserve provide a gentle setting with stunning harbour views and loads of playground fun.  

Retail therapy: North Shore Auckland Shopping

There’s a phenomenal range of options on offer here, from boutique stores and local crafts, to mega-malls and everything in between.

Highlights include Takapuna with its mix of brand stores, local boutiques, and the busy Sunday Market (a must-visit if you are looking for fresh produce, artisan food and handcrafted goods). 

Albany is your go-to for big-name chain stores, supermarkets, electronics, homeware, and fashion retailers, all in one spot.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, Milford offers seaside shopping with a stylish twist, while Devonport, with its quaint village feel and antique stores, bookshops and galleries, makes for a special day out.

Plenty of parking, easy public transport access, and excellent cafés and eateries scattered throughout also mean that shopping on the North Shore is as convenient as it is enjoyable. 

Eating out: North Shore Auckland Café & Restaurant Scene

The culinary landscape of North Shore Auckland caters to all tastes, from laid-back cafés to upscale restaurants.

Noteworthy is the historic Esplanade Hotel in Devonport, which offers a fabulous menu with gorgeous views.

The café culture in Takapuna is vibrant, with beachside spots perfect for a leisurely brunch or a sunset dinner.

Not to be missed is the bustling food scene in Birkenhead, where international cuisines meet local flavours, and the artisan eateries in Albany, where innovation and taste collide.