This is certainly one of the most delightful spots about Auckland. The following pretty picture of the North Shore is taken from the same publication:—

"This pleasant water-circled suburb, with its flagstaff hill, trees, and tranquil beauties, is the first of Auckland suburbs which attracts the eye of the new-comer. The open breezy beach and strips of pasture-land, dotted with quiet homes and trees, are picturesque in appearance, and page 85 striking in their serene rusticity of dress. An evening trip to the North Shore by one of the steamers, after the heat of the day, is delightful, and under this temptation many citizens of Auckland have selected marine residences in the quiet neighbourhood of Devonport, or in the more distant Lake district. The near settlement of Stoke's point, as the place is now called, has an air of pleasant repose over it; its fields and orchards, moreover, add grace and beauty to interesting pictures of industry. We may add that early strawberries, peas, and cucumbers are sent into the city by the growers of this district. Devonport, nestling between Flagstaff Hill and the North Head, is the favourite resort of persons at Christmas time, when the gardens of Messrs. Allison and others are in full trim, and the arbours thickly shaded from the burning rays of the sun by blossoming foliage. The breezy walks towards Cheltenham Beach, and in other directions towards Vauxhall Gardens, or the Lake, are sweet and refreshing both to body and mind. The scenes are near to the city, which is a great inducement to parents to take their children across the water for the purpose of enjoying themselves on the sward under breathing trees. Flagstaff Hill is an eminence of mark, commanding fine views of Auckland and the open sea. There are many pretty spots and rustic homes at the North Shore; still the hand of progress has been slow in its operations in comparison with Ponsonby and the more remote suburb of Remuera. The houses by the Beach Road, although of lesser size, remind persons acquainted with the shores of Kent, of those green intersecting places which Jerrold was fond of sketching in his epigrammatic style."