Dragonish in Devonport, New Zealand

For the price of a ferry ticket, visitors to Auckland on New Zealand’s north island can leave the bustling metropolitan area behind and be walking around on the quaint streets of a bayside village within 15-20 minutes. The charming suburb of Devonport is visible from the dockside precinct of the city, but the look and feel of the area gives the illusion that you have gone back in time by several decades.

Devonport Ferry Terminal with Auckland, New Zealand in the background

 

This tiny community has an eclectic mix of architectural styles that include Federation cottages from the 1800s and an Art Deco theatre on the main street.

Federation cottages from the 1800s in Devonport near Auckland, New Zealand

Art Deco theatre on the main street of Devonport near Auckland, New Zealand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But our real ‘find of the day’ was a work of mosaic art sitting half-way up a steep hill on a tiny green park. This ‘find’ overlooks the township and the harbour below. In the first photo below, you can just make out a man’s head in this view from the back. And those children on the left were running downhill quite quickly, trying to keep their balance on the steep angle.

 

Dragon passed by children running downhill in Devonport near Auckland, New Zealand

 

Dragon bench of mosaic tiles in Devonport near Auckland, New Zealand

 

Detail on backside of mosaic-art dragon bench in Devonport near Auckland, New Zealand

 

And so you can get a feel for the size and scale of this piece, here’s what a 6 foot tall man looks like sitting on it.

 

Man sitting on dragon bench in part overlooking Devonport near Auckland, New Zealand

 

Devonport — a charming side trip from Auckland and it is well worth a full day or overnight visit.

 

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