Flowers and North Shore Hospital, Takapuna
North Shore Hospital sits at 124 Shakespeare Road in Takapuna and serves the Waitematā area of north and west Auckland. It began as the North Shore Obstetric Hospital in 1958 and became a general acute hospital when the main Tower Block opened in 1984. Before you order a bouquet for someone staying there, it helps to know that Health NZ's infection-control guidance asks people not to bring flowers in.
Order by 2 pm on weekdays (11 am Saturdays) for same-day delivery in many areas
- Ward rules quoted from the hospital
- Name and ward on the card
- Local florists deliver the flowers
Infection-control guidance asks visitors not to bring flowers or plants into hospital.
“Patients and visitors can help us to keep people safe by: ... not bringing items into hospital that could carry infection to patients or the clinical environment, such as flowers, plants, toys.”
What the hospital says about flowers and plants
On the North Shore Hospital page, Health NZ explains that patients and visitors can help keep people safe by "not bringing items into hospital that could carry infection to patients or the clinical environment, such as flowers, plants, toys."
This is guidance for the whole hospital rather than a list of banned wards. It is not worded as an outright ban, but it is a clear request. If you still feel flowers are right, check with the ward before sending, and accept that the answer may be no.
Better ways to send your love
- Have flowers delivered to the patient's home so they are waiting when they are discharged.
- Send a card or a written message the nurses can pass on.
- Plan a bunch for a recovery milestone instead of the hospital stay itself.
For a home delivery anywhere in the city, see our Auckland flower delivery page. If the patient lives out of town, a rural address with an RD number can take longer, so give the florist the full address.
Visiting times at North Shore
Most areas welcome whānau and friends at any time between 8am and 8pm, though some areas have different times. The hospital's main number is 09 486 8900 if you need to confirm the ward or ask about a specific unit.
Other Auckland hospitals
The same infection-control wording appears on the page for Waitākere Hospital in Henderson, which is part of the same Waitematā service. In south Auckland, Middlemore Hospital has a different rule that covers only its burn centre.
Getting in and finding your way
The main entrance is on Shakespeare Road and has patient check-in and visitor information. Staff can arrange a taxi for anyone who cannot walk to the rank. Health NZ lists:
- A parking building that operates 24 hours a day, with the first 20 minutes free.
- Free parking for motorcycles and bicycles, with dedicated spaces on the lower ground floor and by Entrance 4 respectively.
- Mobility parking and electric vehicle charging.
- Bus stops on Hospital Road near the main entrance (check Auckland Transport for routes).
Cafés and services on site
Two cafés operate on site. Habitat is open 7am to 5pm on weekdays and 9am to 4pm at weekends, and Espresso Alley is open 6:30am to 8pm on weekdays and 7:30am to 5pm at weekends. If flowers are discouraged for the person you are visiting, a coffee shared at a café is a simple way to spend time together.
The hospital provides 24-hour emergency care and secondary birthing services. For modified visiting times in particular clinical areas, Health NZ says to contact ward staff directly. Residents of west and north Auckland can also use the freephone number 0800 809 342.
Address for the order
- 124 Shakespeare Road, Takapuna, Auckland, 0620
- Auckland
- Phone 09 486 8900
Write the patient’s full name and ward on the card and the order. Rules checked 6 November 2026; hospitals change their rules, so call the ward if you are unsure.
Get-well flowers that suit a ward
Compact arrangements are easier for nurses and small bedside tables.
Order by 2 pm on weekdays (11 am Saturdays) for same-day delivery in many areas
