An Hour long Taste of the Segway Sensation and Sightseeing fun

Devonport is one of Auckland’s easiest places to enjoy at a relaxed pace, and a Segway gives you a playful way to cover more ground than you would on foot. You start with patient, one-on-one training, then glide along the waterfront toward Cheltenham Beach and views across the Hauraki Gulf to Rangitoto Island.

I like the beginner-friendly training, which takes the worry out of trying a Segway for the first time. I also like the small group limit of six, plus the mix of waterfront scenery, Victorian villas, sports grounds, and village streets. The main consideration is mobility: you need to be agile enough to climb stairs without help, and participants must weigh between 35 and 120 kilograms.

Key Points

• Practice comes first: You receive full instruction and time to get comfortable before leaving the starting area.
• Devonport provides the setting: The route combines a historic seaside village, waterfront paths, back streets, and Cheltenham Beach.
• Rangitoto is part of the view: The ride gives you sightlines across the Hauraki Gulf toward Auckland’s famous volcanic island.
• Small groups help: No more than six people can join a booking, allowing the guide to keep an eye on new riders.
• Pauline may be your guide: Her warm, hands-on approach has been singled out as a major part of the experience.
• Plan for the weather: The tour runs in all weather unless conditions become unsafe, so dress for Auckland’s changing conditions.

Starting at Devonport Wharf

Your ride begins at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours inside the Devonport Ferry Terminal at 1 Queens Parade. This location is practical if you are already arriving by ferry, but it can be easy to miss.

The shop is in the undercover section of the pier, on the right after you enter from the ferry. A useful rule is simple: if you have walked more than about 20 metres from the ferry area, you may have gone too far. Allow yourself a few extra minutes to find the office, especially if you are meeting a guide on a tight schedule.

The tour ends back at the same meeting point. Transportation to Devonport is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there. The area is near public transportation, making the ferry terminal a logical starting place for many Auckland visitors.

The total experience lasts about one hour and 30 minutes. That includes the safety briefing, riding practice, and sightseeing. Since the practice period is an important part of the tour rather than a quick formality, the full time matters. You are not simply handed a Segway and sent into town.

Learning the Segway Without Rushing

If you have never used a Segway, the first few minutes may feel unusual. The machine responds to your balance and body movements, so the guide gives you time to understand how it moves, turns, slows, and stops.

One-on-one training is included before the sightseeing begins. You also receive a helmet, and the guide stays with you as you practice. That makes this a better choice for a first Segway experience than a tour that assumes you already know the controls.

The supplied information does not promise a particular practice location or set number of minutes, but it does make clear that you will have plenty of time to get comfortable. That is useful for anyone who feels uncertain about balance or coordination.

You still need a moderate level of physical fitness. A Segway is less tiring than walking the whole route, but you remain upright for the duration, and you need to step on and off the machine safely. The operator does not recommend the activity if you cannot climb stairs without assistance.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum age for the Family Fun Ride and A Taste of Segway is 10. All riders must weigh between 35 kilograms and 120 kilograms, or about 75 to 265 pounds.

From the Wharf to Devonport’s Waterfront

Once you are ready, the route heads around the waterfront of Devonport. This is where the Segway earns its place. You can move at an easy pace, take in the harbor setting, and avoid turning the outing into a strenuous walk.

Devonport is known for its seaside village character, and the ride gives you a broad look at the area rather than confining you to one attraction. You pass historic homes and sports grounds, with the guide providing live commentary along the way.

The commentary is part of the value here. A Segway tour is not only about operating the machine. The guide helps connect the streets and views to Devonport’s local character, giving you more context than you would get from simply renting a vehicle and setting off alone.

The route also gives you a chance to see how the village changes from the ferry area to its quieter residential streets. Near the wharf, the ferry connection keeps the setting tied to Auckland. Farther along, restored Victorian villas and neighborhood roads provide a slower, more local feel.

Because the group is limited to six, the guide can focus on safety and keep the pace manageable. That is especially helpful when several people are learning at once. A larger group could make the training and street riding feel less personal.

A Look Near Devonport Museum

Devonport Museum is included as one of the route points. The information provided does not specify whether you go inside the museum or simply pass through the area, so you should think of this as part of the sightseeing route rather than a separate museum visit.

The museum adds a historical note to a ride that could otherwise focus only on beaches and scenery. It helps place Devonport’s older homes and village streets in a wider local setting.

If you want a long, detailed museum visit, this is not the right format. The tour is built around riding, outdoor views, and commentary. You will see several parts of Devonport in a short time, but the emphasis remains on the moving experience rather than extended time at one indoor attraction.

Cheltenham Beach and Rangitoto Views

Cheltenham Beach is the scenic payoff of the route. You ride toward the reserve at the beach, where you can enjoy open views across the Hauraki Gulf and toward Rangitoto Island.

This stop gives the experience some breathing room. Instead of staying among houses and streets, you reach a more open coastal setting where the water and island become the main focus. It is also a chance to enjoy the Segway itself in a less enclosed part of the route.

The tour description calls this a stop for Segway fun, so you should expect time to enjoy the setting and the ride rather than a formal beach activity. Swimming, food, and extended beach time are not listed as inclusions.

Weather will affect this part of the outing most. The tour operates in all weather, so bring clothing suitable for Auckland’s conditions. If extreme weather makes riding unsafe, the operator offers an alternative date or a refund minus an administration fee.

That policy is worth noting because a bright day will make the waterfront and Rangitoto views more rewarding. Still, you should not book this expecting the activity to be canceled at the first sign of rain. Dress properly and treat the tour as an outdoor ride.

Back Through Devonport’s Village Streets

After Cheltenham Beach, the ride returns toward Devonport Wharf and takes in the back streets of the village. This part may be more interesting than you expect. The beach offers the broad view, while the residential streets show the details of Devonport.

Restored Victorian villas provide the visual character here. You can look at the older homes, streets, and sports grounds while moving at a pace that allows you to notice more than you might from a passing car.

The Segway also makes the return route feel different from a regular walking tour. You cover ground without hurrying, and you can spend your energy looking around rather than simply getting from one point to another.

This is a sightseeing tour, not a high-speed adventure. The fun comes from learning the machine, balancing through the village, and seeing Devonport from several angles. If you want a thrilling ride with steep hills or technical challenges, this experience may feel too gentle.

For most first-time riders, that gentle pace is a strength. The route lets you enjoy the setting without making the equipment the whole story.

The Guide Makes a Practical Difference

The guide provides live commentary and remains involved from the first practice session to the return to the ferry terminal. That personal contact matters on an activity where confidence can change quickly during the first few minutes.

Pauline is connected with the tour and has been praised for her teaching and friendly approach. Her response to a rider’s comments shows a clear enthusiasm for Devonport and for helping people learn to use a Segway. You may have Pauline as your guide, though a specific guide is not guaranteed in the booking details.

The strongest praise for this experience centers on two things: how easy the Segway becomes after instruction, and how much the guide adds to the outing. One rider described it as a first Segway experience that proved surprisingly easy, while also praising the guide as one of the best parts of the trip.

That combination is important. A machine can be fun, but a rushed briefing or inattentive guide can spoil the experience. Here, the included training and small group size suggest a more supportive setup.

You should also pay attention to the meeting instructions. One rider specifically found the terminal location tricky to spot, then offered the clear advice to look inside the covered pier area near the ferry entrance. This is the sort of small practical detail that can prevent a frazzled start.

Is $55.85 a Fair Price?

At $55.85 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Devonport, but the price includes more than simple equipment hire. You receive the Segway, helmet, full training, practice time, a guided route, and live commentary.

The one-hour-30-minute duration also gives the cost reasonable weight. You are not paying for a brief demonstration followed by a quick spin. The experience combines instruction and sightseeing, with the guide handling the route and helping you ride safely.

I see the value most clearly if you are new to Segways or have limited time in Auckland. You can reach several parts of Devonport, visit the waterfront and Cheltenham Beach, and see village architecture without arranging your own route.

The price may feel less attractive if you are already comfortable walking around Devonport and mainly want a beach visit. The waterfront, village streets, and ferry terminal are accessible without a paid tour, so the extra cost pays for the equipment, instruction, commentary, and novelty.

A maximum of six people per booking improves the value for anyone who prefers personal attention. It also makes the experience feel less like a large group procession. The booking system indicates that this activity is often reserved well ahead of time, with an average lead time of 56 days, so you should not assume you can wait until the last minute during a busy visit.

Who Will Enjoy This Ride Most?

This is a strong fit for first-time Auckland visitors who want a guided introduction to Devonport. You get scenery, local streets, and a simple activity in one compact outing.

It also suits families with children aged 10 and older, provided an adult accompanies the child and everyone meets the weight and mobility requirements. The practice session is especially useful for mixed-experience groups, since the guide can help beginners before the route begins.

You may also like it if you have already explored Auckland’s central waterfront and want a change of setting. Devonport feels different from the city center, and the ferry-terminal meeting point makes it easy to combine this outing with time in the village.

This is less suitable if you dislike outdoor activities, have difficulty standing and stepping on or off equipment, or cannot climb stairs unaided. It is also not ideal if you want a private, long-form history tour or a full day of sightseeing.

The group limit is six, but the booking information does not promise an exclusive private tour for every reservation. If privacy is important, check the booking terms before paying.

Booking, Weather, and Small Practical Details

You receive confirmation when you book, and the ticket is mobile, so you do not need a printed voucher. Bring your phone, but also allow enough time to find the office inside the ferry terminal.

The activity runs in all weather unless conditions become unsafe. Wear clothing that suits the forecast and comfortable footwear that lets you step onto and off the Segway securely.

The price includes GST, the Segway Personal Transporter, helmet, training, practice time, and live commentary. It does not include transportation to or from the start point.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Should You Book the Devonport Segway Tour?

Book it if you want a short, active introduction to Devonport and like the idea of learning something new while sightseeing. The strongest reasons are the patient training, small group size, easy access from the ferry terminal, and the mix of Rangitoto views, Cheltenham Beach, sports grounds, historic homes, and village streets.

The best match is a first-time Segway rider with moderate fitness who wants guidance rather than independent equipment rental. You will get the most from it on a day when you can enjoy being outdoors and appreciate the coastal views.

Skip it if your main aim is a long beach visit, a serious museum tour, or a low-cost walk around town. The activity is built around the ride itself. For the right person, that is exactly what makes Devonport more memorable.

FAQ

Where does the Segway tour start?

The tour starts at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours inside Devonport Ferry Terminal, at 1 Queens Parade, Devonport, Auckland 0624.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point inside the Devonport Ferry Terminal.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately one hour and 30 minutes, including training, practice, and the guided ride.

Do I need previous Segway experience?

No. Full one-on-one training and time to practice riding a Segway are provided before the sightseeing route begins.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10 years for the Family Fun Ride and A Taste of Segway. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if the weather becomes unsafe?

The tour operates in all weather, but if extreme conditions make riding unsafe, you can choose an alternative date or receive a refund minus an administration fee.