With Mother's Day just around the corner, it's the perfect excuse to slow down, hop on the ferry, and spend the day spoiling the mums in your life in Devonport. There's something about Devonport that makes it the perfect spot for a Mother's Day outing. The pace is gentle, the views do half the work for you, and everything you need is within an easy stroll. Whether you're coming from across the bridge, hopping over on the ferry, arriving from further up the Shore, or already lucky enough to call the village home, Devonport has all the ingredients for a really lovely day out.

So the question is, what are you planning?

Is it a relaxing massage at Haven Thai Massage, or one of our other wonderful local beauty spots? A leisurely breakfast with the family at Stone Oven, Dulcie, Lily's or Manuka? Maybe a wander through some of our incredible galleries, with art from Flagstaff Gallery, Satellite2 or Depot 3 Vic Road. Or a proper retail therapy session with Blue Illusion, Yarntons for Women, Art In My Wardrobe, MIXT or Cosi Fan Tutte. You could pick up a beautiful bunch from Devonport Flowers, treat mum to something sweet from Devonport Chocolates, or browse the boutiques for that perfect little something she'd never buy for herself. Devonport is full of independent retailers and makers, the kind of places where the people behind the counter actually know their products and take the time to help you find something special.

Or perhaps you're making an evening of it, with dinner and a glass of something lovely at Vondel, Vic Road Wine Bar, The Kestrel, The Patriot or one of our other fantastic bars and restaurants. There's something for every mood and every budget, all within a few minutes of each other. For those coming over from the city or further around the Shore, the ferry ride alone is part of the experience. Twelve minutes across the harbour and you're in a completely different world, with the bustle of town behind you and the village ahead. It's the kind of small adventure that turns a regular day out into something mum will actually remember.

In the lead-up to Mother's Day, we'll be sharing plenty of local gift ideas, recommendations and Mother's Day inspiration across devonport.co.nz and our Devonport Village social channels. If you're not already following along, now's a great time to jump on so you don't miss any of the ideas as they roll out.

Keeping it local on Mother's Day is one of those small things that makes a real difference. Every booking, every bunch of flowers, every gift wrapped at the counter directly supports a local Devonport business and the people behind it. It's a simple way to say thank you to the businesses that keep our village feeling like Devonport. So this year, think Devonport for Mother's Day. Bring mum over on the ferry, make a day of it, and enjoy everything our seaside village has to offer. For Mother's Day inspiration, follow along at @devonportvillage or visit devonport.co.nz.