An Hour long Taste of the Segway Sensation and Sightseeing fun

Devonport is made for a slow, curious ride, and this small-group Segway tour gives you a lively way to see its waterfront, beach, sports grounds, and old villas in about 90 minutes. You start with private instruction and practice, so no previous Segway experience is needed. Pauline is one of the guides associated with the tour, and her warm, practical approach has helped many first-timers get rolling quickly.

I like the easy ferry-side meeting point and the route’s mix of scenery and local character. You get Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island views at Cheltenham Beach, then trade open waterfront for Devonport’s back streets and restored Victorian homes. The main consideration is physical ability: you need to be agile enough to climb stairs without help, and your weight must be between 35 and 120 kilograms.

Key points to know before booking

• Training comes first: You receive one-on-one instruction and plenty of time to practice before leaving the start point.
• The route reaches Cheltenham Beach: Expect coastal views toward the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island.
• Devonport supplies the character: Historic homes, sports grounds, village streets, and the Devonport Museum shape the outing.
• Groups stay small: Bookings are limited to six people, which allows the guide to keep an eye on new riders.
• The tour begins at the ferry terminal: Magic Broomstick Segway Tours operates from 1 Queens Parade, beside Devonport Wharf.
• It suits first-timers aged 10 and up: Children must be accompanied by an adult, and helmets are supplied.

Why Devonport works so well on a Segway

Devonport has the sort of layout that rewards unhurried sightseeing. The village sits by the water, with a waterfront promenade, beach access, sports grounds, historic houses, and quieter streets close together. On foot, you can cover much of it, but a Segway adds a playful sense of motion without turning the outing into a strenuous hike.

The attraction is not speed. You will be moving at a gentle pace, stopping for views and commentary as you go. That leaves room to look around instead of concentrating on traffic, maps, or the next turn.

The setting also gives the tour a useful contrast. At the waterfront, you have open views across the Hauraki Gulf. Around the village, the focus shifts to architecture and everyday local life. Cheltenham Beach brings the coastal pause, while the return through Devonport adds the old-home atmosphere.

For a first visit to Auckland, this is a pleasant way to see a suburb beyond the central city. It does not try to cover all of Auckland. Instead, it gives you a close look at one historic seaside village.

Starting at Magic Broomstick beside Devonport Wharf

You meet at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours, Devonport Ferry Terminal, 1 Queens Parade. The start is close to public transport and especially handy if you arrive by ferry from Auckland. One practical warning matters here: the shop is in the undercover part of the pier, on the right after entering from the ferry.

The entrance can be easy to miss. If you have walked more than about 20 metres from the ferry, you have likely gone too far. Allow a little extra time to find the shop rather than arriving at the last second.

This location is a real strength for visitors staying in central Auckland. You do not need to arrange a separate vehicle transfer to Devonport if you are using the ferry. Transportation to the meeting point is not included, so you are responsible for getting there, but the nearby ferry connection keeps the arrangement simple.

At the start, your guide provides the Segway Personal Transporter and helmet. The guide also explains how the controls work and gives you individual instruction. That personal training is important. Segways look simple, but the first few minutes are about learning how your balance and body movements affect the machine.

Learning to ride before the sightseeing begins

The tour does not simply hand you a Segway and send you into the village. You receive full training and time to practice before heading out. That makes this a good choice for someone who has never tried one before or who feels a little unsure about balance-based equipment.

Expect the early part to focus on mounting, stopping, steering, and getting comfortable moving forward and back. The supplied information does not give a fixed practice length, which is sensible. People learn at different speeds, and the guide can spend more time with anyone who needs it.

The small maximum of six people helps here. A large group could make first-time instruction feel rushed, but six riders gives the guide a manageable group. One-on-one training is included, not treated as an optional extra.

You should still arrive with a realistic view of the physical demands. The tour requires a moderate level of fitness, and you must be agile enough to walk up stairs unaided. It is not recommended for anyone who cannot climb stairs without help. The weight requirement is firm: all participants must weigh between 35 and 120 kilograms.

Children must have an adult with them, and the minimum age for the A Taste of Segway ride is 10. Helmets are supplied, so you do not need to bring your own protective headgear.

From the waterfront to Devonport Museum

Once everyone is ready, the ride heads around the waterfront of Devonport. This is where the tour begins to feel less like a lesson and more like sightseeing. You can take in the harbor setting while the guide provides live commentary.

The route includes the Devonport Museum area. The supplied details do not promise a museum admission or a formal indoor visit, so think of this as a stop or point of interest along the route rather than a museum tour. The museum adds context to Devonport’s past, while the ride itself keeps you moving through the village.

You will also pass sports grounds and historic homes. Those details matter because they show Devonport as a lived-in community, not simply a photo stop. The sports fields bring a local, everyday feel. The older houses give you something to look for as you move through the streets.

The guide’s commentary is part of the value. You are not just hiring equipment and following a map. Live narration helps explain what you are seeing and gives the route a more personal feel. Pauline has been identified by name in the provider’s own response, and her tone comes across as enthusiastic about both Devonport and teaching people to ride.

Cheltenham Beach and the Rangitoto views

The route continues to Cheltenham Beach, one of the clearest scenic moments of the outing. You ride to a reserve by the beach and have time for Segway fun in an open coastal setting.

The view toward Rangitoto Island is a major reason to choose this tour. Rangitoto is one of the defining sights of the Hauraki Gulf, and seeing it from Devonport gives you a different angle than the usual city waterfront viewpoint. The beach stop also breaks up the built-up parts of the route with water, sky, and open space.

The tour is still only about an hour and a half, so do not expect a long beach stay or a full coastal expedition. The appeal is the combination: a short ride, a scenic reserve, and time to enjoy the Segway without making the whole activity about riding technique.

Weather will affect this section most. The tour operates in all weather, so dress appropriately. If extreme weather makes riding unsafe, the operator may offer another date or a refund less an administration fee. Ordinary wet or cool conditions are not presented as automatic reasons for cancellation, so bring clothing suited to Auckland’s changeable weather.

Back through Devonport’s Victorian streets

After Cheltenham Beach, the ride returns toward Devonport Wharf and uses the village’s back streets. This is a smart part of the route because the town’s appeal is not limited to the shore.

The restored Victorian villas give you a different kind of sightseeing from the beach views. You can look at the homes, street layout, and older character of Devonport while moving at a pace that lets the guide point things out. The Segway is useful here because it covers more ground than a walking tour while keeping the experience close to the street.

I like this part of the outing for another reason: it avoids making Devonport feel like a single postcard view. You see the waterfront, but also the residential side of the village. That makes the tour a better introduction to the area than a quick ride along the pier alone.

The back streets can also be the part first-time riders remember most. By then, you have had time to get comfortable with the Segway, and the route feels more relaxed. The emphasis remains on sightseeing, not racing or technical riding.

What the $55.85 price includes

At $55.85 per person, the price covers the Segway, helmet, GST, live commentary, full instruction, and practice time. That is a fair package for a short guided activity, especially if you value having someone teach you rather than simply renting equipment.

The most important value is the training. A first-time rider may not want to pay for a machine rental and then spend the whole outing trying to work out how it behaves. Here, instruction is part of the experience, and the small group size gives it practical value.

The tour also bundles several types of sightseeing into one compact outing. You get waterfront views, Cheltenham Beach, Rangitoto views, sports grounds, the Devonport Museum area, and historic homes. You will not need to plan separate transport between these points.

The price does not include transport to Devonport. If you are already using the ferry, that limitation is easy to manage. If you are staying elsewhere in Auckland, add the cost and time of reaching the ferry terminal or Queens Parade.

The duration is listed as approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. That makes it easy to fit into a wider Auckland day, though you should allow extra time before the start to locate the shop and complete your preparation.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This outing fits first-time visitors who want an easy introduction to Devonport and a break from standard walking or bus sightseeing. It also suits couples, families with children aged 10 and over, and small groups who like a little activity with their views.

You do not need previous Segway experience. The instruction is designed to bring beginners up to speed, and the ride is described as fun and relaxing rather than demanding.

It is less suitable if you have trouble with balance, stairs, or moderate physical activity. The operator’s age and weight limits are not minor suggestions. Check them before booking, especially for children or anyone who may be close to the stated weight range.

The six-person maximum is another reason this works well for people who prefer a personal outing. You will not be part of a large rolling crowd, and the guide can provide closer support during training.

Weather, cancellations, and useful planning advice

The tour runs in all weather, so wear clothing that can handle wind or rain. Comfortable clothes and shoes are sensible, though the supplied information does not specify a footwear requirement.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded, and changes inside that period are not accepted.

Extreme weather is treated separately if it makes riding unsafe. In that case, you may be offered another date or a refund less an administration fee. Keep your plans flexible if Auckland’s forecast looks severe.

Confirmation arrives at booking, and the meeting point is near public transport. Since the start is at the ferry terminal, your best practical move is to identify the undercover pier area before the tour day. The shop’s slightly tucked-away position is the one logistical wrinkle worth remembering.

FAQ

Where does the Segway tour begin?

It begins at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours, Devonport Ferry Terminal, 1 Queens Parade, Devonport, Auckland 0624, New Zealand.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Is previous Segway experience required?

No. Full one-on-one training and time to practice are provided before the sightseeing ride begins.

What equipment is included?

A Segway Personal Transporter and helmet are supplied by Magic Broomstick Segway Tours.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age for the A Taste of Segway ride is 10. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

How many people can join one booking?

A maximum of six people can take part in the tour.

What happens if bad weather cancels the ride?

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

Should you book the Devonport Segway ride?

Book it if you want a short, well-supported introduction to Devonport with more variety than a simple waterfront stroll. The strongest reasons are the patient beginner training, small group limit, Cheltenham Beach stop, and views toward Rangitoto Island.

I would be more cautious if you dislike balance-based activities or have difficulty climbing stairs without assistance. Also remember that transport to Devonport is not included.

For the right person, $55.85 buys more than a novelty ride. You get instruction, equipment, local commentary, coastal scenery, and a look at the village’s historic residential streets. It is a compact Auckland activity with enough character to feel like a real place, not just a quick spin on a machine.