An Hour long Taste of the Segway Sensation and Sightseeing fun

Devonport is at its most enjoyable when you slow down. On this 90-minute Segway tour, you roll from the ferry terminal along the waterfront, pause near Cheltenham Beach, and see Rangitoto Island across the Hauraki Gulf. It is a playful way to cover more ground than walking without turning the morning into a hard workout.

I like the generous practice time and the small maximum of six people. I also like the mix of sea views, sports grounds, historic homes, and village back streets. The main catch is that you need enough balance and agility to climb stairs unaided, and the tour runs in all weather unless conditions become unsafe.

Key points at a glance

• Beginner-friendly training: You receive one-on-one instruction and time to practice before setting off.
• A proper Devonport circuit: The route links the ferry terminal, waterfront, Cheltenham Beach, Devonport Museum area, and residential streets.
• Wide Hauraki Gulf views: Look toward Rangitoto Island from the beach and waterfront.
• Small group size: A maximum of six people keeps the lesson and live commentary personal.
• Useful age and weight limits: Participants must be at least 10 years old and weigh between 35 and 120 kilograms.
• Easy ferry connection: The meeting point is inside the Devonport Ferry Terminal at 1 Queens Parade.

Starting at Devonport Ferry Terminal

Your tour begins at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours inside Devonport Ferry Terminal, at 1 Queens Parade. The shop can be easy to miss because it is in the covered section of the pier. When you leave the ferry, walk straight into the undercover terminal area and look to the right. If you have gone more than about 20 metres beyond the ferry, you have gone too far.

That small detail matters. Devonport is simple to reach by public transport, but arriving at the right spot without a little direction could save you a rushed start. The tour finishes at the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate pickup or find your way back from another part of town.

The price is $55.85 per person, which is fair for a short guided activity that includes the Segway, helmet, instruction, practice time, and commentary. You are not paying only for a ride. A large part of the value is having someone teach you how to use the machine and guide you through a route you could not cover as easily on foot.

Learning the Segway before the sightseeing begins

The first part of the experience is training, not sightseeing. Your guide gives you one-on-one instruction and lets you practice before the group heads into Devonport. That is important for first-time riders, since the Segway responds to your balance and body movements rather than to a traditional handlebar or pedal system.

You should not expect to step on and immediately glide away. The practice period is built into the tour so you can become comfortable with starting, stopping, turning, and controlling your speed. The extra time also gives the guide a chance to check that everyone is ready before heading into public areas.

This is one of the strongest features for beginners. A Segway can look awkward at first, but the experience is designed for people who have never ridden one. You still need to pay attention and stay alert, but no previous experience is required.

A helmet is supplied, along with the Segway Personal Transporter. Wear practical clothing and shoes that let you balance easily. The tour operates in all weather, so check the forecast and dress for the conditions. If extreme weather makes riding unsafe, you can choose another date or receive a refund less an administration fee.

Rolling along the Devonport waterfront

Once you are ready, the route heads around the waterfront of Devonport, Auckland’s historic seaside village. This opening stretch gives you a gentle introduction to riding in a real setting while showing you the town from a different angle.

The waterfront is the reason this tour feels more like sightseeing than a simple equipment lesson. You get open views, sea air, and a clear sense of Devonport’s position on the Hauraki Gulf. The guide provides live commentary as you move, so you can focus on riding while still learning about the places along the way.

The pace is intended to be fun and relaxed. You are not being pushed through a long-distance route, and the short duration keeps the outing manageable. At the same time, a Segway lets you see more than you would during a brief walk from the ferry terminal.

The route’s most scenic reward comes near Cheltenham Beach. You can look across the Hauraki Gulf toward Rangitoto Island, one of the area’s most recognizable volcanic landmarks. The tour does not promise a long beach stay, so think of this as a scenic stop and a chance to enjoy the setting rather than a beach day.

Cheltenham Beach and the Rangitoto view

Cheltenham Beach gives the tour a useful change of pace. After the waterfront and built-up parts of Devonport, you reach a reserve near the beach for more Segway fun and views across the water.

This is a good spot to appreciate why the tour works for first-time visitors to Auckland. You get a compact introduction to seaside Devonport without spending several hours on a large sightseeing bus or committing to a strenuous walk. The view toward Rangitoto adds a strong sense of place, especially if you are using the tour as your first look at the wider Auckland area.

The word fun is important here. This is not a formal history tour with a packed schedule of monuments. The pleasure comes from moving through town on an unusual vehicle, stopping at scenic points, and letting the guide connect the places as you go.

You should also keep your expectations in proportion. The tour lasts about one hour and 30 minutes, so Cheltenham Beach is one part of a short circuit, not a long visit. If you want time for swimming, a picnic, or a full walk around the shore, plan that separately after the tour.

From the Devonport Museum area to Victorian streets

The route includes Devonport Museum and then returns toward the village streets. The museum stop adds a cultural note to what could otherwise be only a coastal ride. The supplied details do not indicate a full museum visit or admission, so you should treat this as a stop or point of interest rather than assume you will have time to explore the interior.

Back in Devonport, the Segway becomes useful on the quieter back streets. You pass historic homes and restored Victorian villas, giving you a look at the village’s residential character. These streets are a pleasant counterpoint to the open waterfront. Instead of seeing only the postcard view, you get a glimpse of the town where people live.

I like this part of the route because it makes the tour feel more local. A quick waterfront stop can show you the harbor, but the back streets explain why Devonport is more than a ferry landing. The restored villas add visual interest without requiring a long lecture or a formal walking tour.

The guide’s live commentary is included, and this is where it can help most. You can ask about the homes, the village, and the places you pass while continuing to ride. If Pauline is your guide, her friendly response to guests suggests an instructor who enjoys teaching people and sharing her enthusiasm for Devonport. The exact guide may vary, so do not assume Pauline will lead every departure.

Why the small group matters

The tour allows a maximum of six people. That limit is valuable during the training stage, when each rider may need a little help with balance, turning, or confidence. It also makes it easier to hear the guide and ask questions while moving through town.

A small group does not make the tour private. You may still share the experience with other riders, and everyone needs to keep pace with the guide. But six people is a comfortable size for an activity that depends on individual instruction.

The small-group format also suits families and pairs who want something more active than a standard sightseeing stop. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age for the Family Fun Ride and A Taste of Segway is 10. The weight range is firm: every participant must weigh between 35 and 120 kilograms, or about 75 to 265 pounds.

The physical demands are modest, but they are real. You need to stand, balance, steer, and walk up stairs without assistance. The experience is not recommended if you are not agile enough to climb stairs unaided. If you have concerns about balance or mobility, this is a point to consider before booking.

Who gets the most from this short ride

This tour suits you if you are visiting Auckland for the first time and want a quick introduction to Devonport. It is also a good choice if you have already seen central Auckland and want a change of scene that combines water views with village streets.

Families with children aged 10 and older can enjoy it, provided the children are accompanied by an adult and meet the weight requirement. Couples and friends may like the novelty of learning a new skill together. The practice session removes much of the pressure for beginners, so you do not need to arrive as a confident rider.

It is less suitable if you want a serious history tour, a long beach visit, or a completely effortless sightseeing experience. You will need to concentrate while riding, and poor weather may make the outing less comfortable. The tour operates in all weather, so rain, wind, or cool temperatures are possible unless conditions become dangerous.

You should also allow enough time to reach the terminal before the start. Since the activity begins at a ferry terminal and the shop can be slightly hidden inside the covered area, do not cut the arrival close.

Is $55.85 good value?

At $55.85, the tour sits in a reasonable range for a guided activity lasting about 90 minutes. The price includes the Segway, helmet, GST, live commentary, full training, and practice time. You do not need to rent equipment separately or pay for a lesson before joining the sightseeing portion.

The best value comes if you are curious about Segways but would not rent one on your own. A guide provides the instruction, chooses the route, and keeps the experience moving. You also get a mix of Devonport sights that would take longer to cover on foot.

The value is weaker if you only want a beach stop or a brief view of Rangitoto. In that case, you may prefer to explore Devonport at your own pace. This tour earns its price through the combination of instruction and sightseeing, not through the length of any single stop.

It is also worth noting that the tour is often booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of about 56 days. That does not mean every date sells out, but it is a sensible reason to reserve early if your Auckland schedule is fixed.

Practical details before you book

Your confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is near public transportation. The ferry terminal meeting point makes the tour especially convenient if Devonport is already part of your day.

The ticket is mobile, so you can keep the booking on your phone. The activity ends back at the meeting point, which simplifies plans for lunch, a ferry ride, or more time in Devonport afterward.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded or accepted. If extreme weather makes the ride unsafe, you can choose another date or receive a refund less an administration fee.

The main preparation is simple: wear clothes suited to the weather, arrive at the correct part of the ferry terminal, and make sure every rider meets the age, weight, and mobility rules.

Should you book the Devonport Segway tour?

Book it if you want an easygoing, beginner-friendly way to see Devonport in a short window. The mix of Rangitoto views, Cheltenham Beach, waterfront riding, Victorian villas, and personal instruction gives you more variety than a basic Segway lesson.

I would especially recommend it to first-time Auckland visitors, families with older children, and anyone arriving in Devonport by ferry who wants an activity with a clear start and finish. The small group and generous practice time are major advantages.

Skip it if you cannot comfortably balance or climb stairs unaided, if you want a long beach visit, or if rain would spoil your plans. For everyone else, $55.85 buys a cheerful introduction to one of Auckland’s most pleasant seaside villages, with enough guidance to make a first Segway ride feel approachable.

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, New Zealand.

Where does the activity finish?

The tour ends back at the Devonport Ferry Terminal meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

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

Do I need previous Segway experience?

No. One-on-one full training and practice time are provided before you leave on the sightseeing portion.

What age can children join?

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

Is safety equipment included?

Yes. Magic Broomstick Segway Tours supplies the Segway Personal Transporter and a helmet.

What happens if the weather is too extreme for riding?

If extreme weather makes it unsafe to ride, you can choose an alternative date or receive a refund less an administration fee. The tour otherwise operates in all weather, so you should dress appropriately.