Northcote Point Heritage Area Auckland
A scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and city skyline, accessible via a charming commuter ferry.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos
Northcote Point Heritage Area Auckland
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and city skyline, accessible via a charming commuter ferry.
"Spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge and city, especially magical at night!"
Ferry Hop Card Savings
Use your Hop card for cheaper ferry fares to Northcote Point. :ticket:
Night Bridge Views
Visit at night for a spectacular view of the illuminated Harbour Bridge. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Harbour Bridge & City Skyline
Northcote Point
Panoramic views of the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge and city skyline, especially magical at night.

Commuter Ferry Ride
Auckland CBD to Northcote Point
A scenic and affordable ferry journey offering unique perspectives of the harbour and bridge.

Stokes Point Reserve Walkway
Adjacent to Northcote Point
An enjoyable walk with coastal vistas, connecting to the scenic Northcote Point area.
Planning Your Visit
Ferry Views & Timing
Best Photo Ops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ferry Hop Card Savings
Use your Hop card for cheaper ferry fares to Northcote Point. :ticket:
Night Bridge Views
Visit at night for a spectacular view of the illuminated Harbour Bridge. :camerawithflash:
Bike Friendly Access
Great for cycling enthusiasts; enjoy the bike paths around the area. :athletic_shoe:
Check Ferry Schedules
Ferry times vary; check the AT website before you go. :informationdeskperson:
Tips
from all over the internet
Ferry Hop Card Savings
Use your Hop card for cheaper ferry fares to Northcote Point. :ticket:
Night Bridge Views
Visit at night for a spectacular view of the illuminated Harbour Bridge. :camerawithflash:
Bike Friendly Access
Great for cycling enthusiasts; enjoy the bike paths around the area. :athletic_shoe:
Check Ferry Schedules
Ferry times vary; check the AT website before you go. :informationdeskperson:
No Toilets Onsite
Plan accordingly as there are no public toilets at Northcote Point. :toilet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Northcote Point for its spectacular, expansive views of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and city skyline, especially beautiful at night. The scenic commuter ferry ride is a highlight, offering an affordable and picturesque journey. While some note the lack of facilities like toilets, the overall experience is highly recommended for its photographic potential and tranquil atmosphere.
"This is a very nice scenic point to see the Waitemata Harbour and the Harbour Bridge.
One can always see this building while driving down northwards on the Harbour bridge, but it is rare to visit it via the designated street since it is quite out of the way for most people.
The access is via Queen Street and ample car parks are available here, given the location of the ferry building.
The ferries to the city also operate from here, however the schedule needs to be checked on the AT website.
The views from this location are awesome and expansive.
There is a walkway to Stokes Point reserve which make it an interesting place to visit.
Well recommended."
Raghav Abbhi
"This place is not well known but the view is very good. Getting here by bike is great. To enjoy the bike paths.
The bike lane harbour crossing was supposed to start here. It's not going to happen anymore.
It makes a great photo at night when the bridge lights are on. No toilets here"
Mr & Mrs Speedy
"Very nice place to view beautiful bridge!"
MikeHuang GONG
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most scenic way is by taking the commuter ferry from downtown Auckland to Northcote Point. Ferries typically run every 30 minutes, and checking the AT website for the latest schedule is recommended. You can also drive via Queen Street, with ample parking available near the ferry building. Cycling is also a popular option with dedicated bike paths.
Yes, there is ample car parking available at Northcote Point, particularly near the ferry building. This makes it a convenient option if you're driving.
Absolutely! Northcote Point is very bike-friendly, and many visitors enjoy cycling to the area to take advantage of the scenic bike paths.
For the best views, consider taking the commuter ferry, especially around sunset. The ferry ride itself offers fantastic perspectives of the harbour and bridge.
While the ferry is the most popular and scenic public transport option, local buses also serve the Northcote area, though they may not offer the same direct harbour views. It's best to check local bus routes on the AT website.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The commuter ferry is quite affordable. With a Hop card, an adult fare is around $5.40. Children and students may have lower fares. It's a great value for the stunning views you get.
You can typically pay for the ferry using your Hop card or purchase tickets directly. It's advisable to check the AT website for the most up-to-date ticketing information and payment methods.
Northcote Point itself is a public scenic area and does not have an entrance fee. Enjoying the views and walking around is free of charge.
Northcote Point is accessible at all times as it's an outdoor public space. However, ferry services have specific operating hours, so check the AT website for their schedule.
Yes, using a Hop card offers a discount compared to single cash fares. Students and children also typically receive reduced fares on the commuter ferries.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire Northcote Point area offers fantastic photographic opportunities. The primary draw is the expansive view of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and the city skyline. For unique angles, consider the walkway towards Stokes Point Reserve.
Absolutely! Northcote Point is highly recommended for night photography. The illuminated Harbour Bridge and the twinkling city lights create a spectacular scene.
Sunset is a prime time for photography at Northcote Point, offering beautiful golden hour light and vibrant colours. However, the city lights at night are equally captivating.
Drone regulations in Auckland can be strict. It's essential to check the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) guidelines and any local bylaws before flying a drone in this area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive harbour and bridge views. For night shots, a tripod is highly recommended to ensure sharp images.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Northcote Point is primarily a scenic viewpoint offering stunning vistas of the Waitemata Harbour and the Harbour Bridge. You can enjoy a leisurely walk, take photos, and appreciate the cityscape. The nearby Stokes Point Reserve also offers walking trails.
Unfortunately, there are no public toilets directly at Northcote Point. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly. While there aren't cafes right at the viewpoint, you can find dining options in nearby Northcote or upon returning to the CBD.
Yes, Northcote Point is perfect for a leisurely walk. The area is pleasant, and the walkway extending to Stokes Point Reserve provides a lovely opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy the coastal scenery.
Being a coastal location, it can be quite windy at Northcote Point, especially during high tide. It's advisable to check the weather forecast and dress in layers.
Most visitors spend between 30 minutes to an hour at Northcote Point to soak in the views and take photos. If you plan to walk to Stokes Point Reserve, you might want to allocate a bit more time.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚴 Cyclists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Commuter Ferry Experience
Many recommend timing your ferry ride to coincide with sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky often erupts in a spectacular display of colours, casting a warm glow over the city and the bridge. After sunset, the city lights begin to twinkle, offering a different, yet equally enchanting, perspective. This makes the ferry a perfect option for both daytime sightseeing and evening excursions, providing a unique vantage point that's hard to replicate from land.
Capturing the Iconic Views
For the best photographic results, timing is key. Sunset offers a beautiful, soft light that enhances the colours of the sky and water, making it an ideal time for capturing memorable shots. However, don't discount the nighttime views, which provide a completely different, yet equally captivating, photographic subject. While Northcote Point itself is the main draw, the adjacent Stokes Point Reserve offers additional walking paths and scenic outlooks, providing varied compositions for your photography. Remember to bring a tripod for those low-light evening shots to ensure clarity and sharpness.
Exploring the Surrounding Area
For those who enjoy cycling, Northcote Point is a great destination. The area is known for its bike-friendly access, with dedicated bike lanes and paths making it an enjoyable ride. This makes it an attractive option for active travelers looking to combine sightseeing with exercise. Although there are no cafes or toilets directly at the viewpoint, the proximity to Northcote town centre means amenities are not too far away, and the ferry provides easy access back to the city's dining options.
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