Northcote Point Heritage Area, Auckland - The Spanish City is a dining and leisure centre in Whitley Bay
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Northcote Point Heritage Area Auckland

4.6
·33 reviews·Auckland, New Zealand

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunset

Golden hour for stunning photos

CrowdMedium
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Northcote Point Heritage Area, Auckland - The Spanish City is a dining and leisure centre in Whitley Bay

Northcote Point Heritage Area Auckland

Best Time

Sunset

Golden hour for stunning photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

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.

4.6
(33 reviews)

"Spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge and city, especially magical at night!"

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Harbour Bridge & City Skyline

Harbour Bridge & City Skyline

Northcote Point

Panoramic views of the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge and city skyline, especially magical at night.

Commuter Ferry Ride

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

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

Catching the commuter ferry to Northcote Point offers stunning harbour and bridge views, especially at sunset. Check ferry schedules on the AT website as they run roughly every 30 minutes. Consider the Hop card for cheaper fares.

Best Photo Ops

Northcote Point provides expansive views of the Harbour Bridge and city skyline, particularly beautiful at night when the bridge lights up. While there are no toilets, the nearby Stokes Point Reserve offers a pleasant walk.

Best Times

When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour for stunning photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Evening
Why
City lights sparkle brightly
Crowd
Low
When
Daytime (weekday)
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant walks
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Follow for more inspo 🥰 This is the commuter ferry between downtown Auckland and Devonport ⛴️ Running usually every 30 mins depending on time of day. Check Google for sunset time and head out around then, then back for the city lights 🌅 It’s only $5.40 / adult with the Hop card or less if you’re a child / student etc ✔️ One of my favourite things to do in Auckland! For the best views 😍
@liliaalexander
41K likes • 518.7K views

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:

360 sunset views over Aucklands: 📍Mount Eden Hint.. Find easy/empty parking close to the walkway shortcut at: Batger St.
@nz_adventures
16.5K likes • 312K views
At the end of my trip to New Zealand I managed to squeeze in a mere 24 hours in the country’s largest city, Auckland, and you best believe I packed in as much in that time as I could! Stops included Receptionist Coffee great coffee right in the heart of the CBD Mor Bakery a MUST VISIT! Iiiiincredible pasties and baked goods. My top bakery of the whole NZ trip Blackdrop great little spot in New Mar...
@itspippa
8.3K likes • 125.4K views

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

4.6
(33 reviews)

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

Stunning harbour and bridge views
Magical night-time illumination
Affordable ferry ride

What People Dislike

Limited on-site facilities

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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

Absolutely! Northcote Point is very bike-friendly, and many visitors enjoy cycling to the area to take advantage of the scenic bike paths. Reddit

For the best views, consider taking the commuter ferry, especially around sunset. The ferry ride itself offers fantastic perspectives of the harbour and bridge. TikTok

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

📸 📸 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. Reddit

Absolutely! Northcote Point is highly recommended for night photography. The illuminated Harbour Bridge and the twinkling city lights create a spectacular scene. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🚶 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Northcote Point offers a relatively calm and scenic outing for families. The commuter ferry ride itself can be an exciting adventure for children, providing a unique way to travel and see the harbour. TikTok Once at Northcote Point, the open space allows kids to move around, and the views of the Harbour Bridge can spark their imagination. Reddit Consider a walk along the Stokes Point Reserve for a bit of gentle exploration. Reddit Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited on-site. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Northcote Point is a prime location. The iconic Harbour Bridge and city skyline provide a stunning backdrop, especially during sunset and at night when the lights are on. TikTokReddit Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views and a tripod for those crucial low-light shots. Reddit The ferry ride itself offers unique photographic opportunities from the water. Reddit

🚴 Cyclists

Cyclists will find Northcote Point to be a very accessible and enjoyable destination. The area is known for its bike-friendly nature and the presence of dedicated bike paths. Reddit Combining a ride with a ferry trip can make for a fantastic day out, offering both exercise and incredible scenery. Reddit The views from Northcote Point are a rewarding sight after a cycle. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Commuter Ferry Experience

The commuter ferry service between downtown Auckland and Northcote Point is more than just transportation; it's an experience in itself. Running approximately every 30 minutes, these ferries offer a budget-friendly way to see the city from the water. TikTok Travelers often highlight the affordability, with fares being significantly less if you use a Hop card. TikTok The journey provides breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Waitemata Harbour, the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge, and the city skyline, making it a must-do for many visitors. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit After sunset, the city lights begin to twinkle, offering a different, yet equally enchanting, perspective. TikTok 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. Reddit

Capturing the Iconic Views

Northcote Point is a photographer's dream, renowned for its expansive and stunning vistas. The primary attraction is the unobstructed view of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, a landmark that dominates the skyline. Reddit Coupled with the cityscape of Auckland CBD, the panorama is particularly dramatic when illuminated at night. Reddit Many visitors find the night views to be a highlight, with the bridge lights creating a magical atmosphere. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit However, don't discount the nighttime views, which provide a completely different, yet equally captivating, photographic subject. Reddit 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. Reddit Remember to bring a tripod for those low-light evening shots to ensure clarity and sharpness. Reddit

Exploring the Surrounding Area

While Northcote Point is celebrated for its views, the surrounding area offers more for visitors to explore. The Stokes Point Reserve is a notable addition, providing a network of walkways that allow for a more immersive experience of the coastal environment. Reddit These paths offer different perspectives of the harbour and can be a pleasant way to spend more time outdoors. Reddit

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. Reddit This makes it an attractive option for active travelers looking to combine sightseeing with exercise. Reddit 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. Reddit

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