Glide from ferry pier to coast in minutes. This one-and-a-half hour Segway sightseeing session in Devonport is built for first-timers, with hands-on practice before you ever head out. I love the one-on-one full training and the fact that a helmet is provided, so you feel steadier fast. I also like that the route is designed for views, with time at Cheltenham Beach looking out to the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island.

One consideration: you need to be reasonably agile. The tour runs in all weather, and it is not recommended if you cannot climb stairs unaided or walk up stairs comfortably from the pier and around the village streets.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Practice time before the sightseeing so you can get your balance quickly
• Small group size with a maximum of 6 people per booking
• Cheltenham Beach viewpoint with Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island sights
• Devonport back streets and restored Victorian villas for a different angle than the waterfront
• Segway + helmet supplied, you do not have to bring gear
• Live guide commentary throughout for context as you ride

Segway Training Comes First, Then Devonport

The smartest thing about this tour is the order. You start with time to learn the Segway before you are asked to do anything scenic. That matters, because once you have the basics down, the ride stops feeling like a workout and starts feeling like an easy way to see Devonport without constantly stopping for photos.

You also get one-on-one full training before you set off. In plain terms, you are not just handed a Segway and pointed toward the waterfront. You get coached, then you practice enough to feel comfortable maneuvering, turning, and handling the flow of a guided route.

Even if you have never been on a Segway, you should feel okay as long as you can follow instructions and stay reasonably steady. The tour is designed for first-time visitors to Auckland, and the pacing reflects that.

Where You Start at Devonport Ferry Terminal 1 (And How to Not Miss It)

Your meeting point is Magic Broomstick Segway Tours at Devonport Ferry Terminal 1, Queens Parade, Devonport. The nice part is that this area is easy to reach by public transport.

A practical tip that will save you time: when you get off the ferry, go straight ahead into the undercover pier section. One guest noted that the shop is on the right side once you are inside the covered area. If you have walked more than about 20 meters past where you should have turned, you likely have gone too far, so it is worth backtracking early rather than hunting around.

Because you end back at the same spot, it is also simpler to plan your wider day. Ride, then hop back onto the ferry route or continue exploring Devonport while you still have momentum.

Stop 2: Devonport Museum, A Quick Pause With Local Context

After training at the Segway shop, your tour route includes a stop at Devonport Museum. This is not just a random checkpoint. It gives you a chance to ground what you are seeing with a bit of local context before you head toward the water and the viewpoints.

What to expect here is a brief stop as you transition from learning mode into sightseeing mode. You will be with your guide and still moving at a relaxed pace overall. The museum stop also breaks up the ride so the experience feels more like a guided walk-and-glide tour than nonstop cruising.

A small drawback to keep in mind: if you are the type who wants constant motion and zero pauses, you might find this stop a little more stationary than you expected. Still, it helps you connect the scenery to the place, especially if Devonport is new to you.

Stop 3: Cheltenham Beach for Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island Views

Cheltenham Beach is where the tour pays off visually. You ride to a reserve area near the beach, then you get a chance for Segway fun while enjoying standout scenery.

The big selling point is the view: you are looking out over the Hauraki Gulf, with Rangitoto Island in sight. Even when the day is not perfect, the waterfront angle and the open sky usually make this a memorable photo stop.

Why this stop is worth it for first-timers: many Auckland sightseeing options are either too far apart or too time-consuming to connect smoothly. This tour stitches together the town vibe and the coastal views in one guided block. You do not have to figure out transport, parking, or routes on the fly.

What you should plan for on the beach area: wind off the water can change how it feels, so dress appropriately. The tour runs in all weather conditions, so your comfort depends on what you wear more than the ride itself.

Stop 4: Devonport Back Streets and Restored Victorian Villas

Once you have had your viewpoint time, the route brings you back into Devonport proper, where you maneuver your Segway up and down the village back streets. This is a different kind of scenery than the waterfront angle.

You will pass historic homes, plus areas tied to local sports grounds. You will also admire restored Victorian villas, which adds character to the experience. It is one of those segments where the Segway makes sense, because you can cover more ground than you could comfortably do on foot while still staying slow enough to notice details.

This part also tends to feel fun because it mixes easy turns with gentle changes in street rhythm. If you have practiced your balance earlier in the tour, this is when it clicks that the Segway is not scary. You are just rolling through a neighborhood.

One consideration: back streets often mean small inclines and uneven sections. The overall ride is still guided and manageable for many people, but it is why the tour asks for a moderate physical fitness level and notes you should be agile enough to handle stairs unaided.

Live Commentary Adds Meaning, Not Just Movement

You get live commentary from your tour guide while you ride. That is a key value point, because the same route without a guide can become just pretty scenery. With commentary, you start to understand what you are seeing, how the waterfront relates to the town, and why Cheltenham Beach is a good spot for views.

This is also why the museum stop works. It gives your guide a chance to connect the place names and landmarks. So, when you later see villas or waterfront points, it feels less random.

There is also a human element here. The operator team, including Pauline who has been replying to guest messages, gives off the impression of a business that actually cares about teaching. That shows up in the way guests describe the experience, especially the confidence boost for first-time riders.

Price and Value: What $55.85 Covers (And What It Does Not)

At $55.85 per person, this is not the cheapest thing you can do in Auckland. But for what you get, it often lands in the good-value category, especially if you are short on time and want a guided activity.

Here is what is included:

• Segway personal transporter and helmet
• GST
• Live commentary
• One-on-one full training and practice time before you ride
• The tour ends back at the meeting point

What is not included:

• Transportation to and from the start location

So the value question becomes: are you paying for gear, coaching, and a guided route with viewpoints? Yes. You are also paying for the time-savings of doing waterfront plus town streets in one block, instead of piecing together multiple self-guided stops.

If you already know Devonport well and you do not care about the waterfront views, it might feel like overkill. If you are a first-timer, though, this is a smart way to get oriented quickly, with a fun activity that does not require driving or long walks.

How Long It Takes, and How to Time It in Your Day

The tour is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Plan it as a chunk you can place early in your Devonport day, not as a rushed add-on.

The reason: you begin with training, then practice, then you ride to Cheltenham Beach and back through Devonport. That structure means the tour needs the full timeframe to feel smooth, not like you are sprinting through it.

Also, because it operates in all weather conditions, you will want flexibility. If the day looks sketchy, you still might go, but you will be happier if you dress for wind and wet.

Who Should Book, and Who Should Skip This Segway Ride

This tour is a great fit for:

• First-time visitors to Auckland who want a quick orientation to Devonport
• People who want an easier sightseeing method than long walking
• Anyone who likes the idea of a guided loop that includes viewpoint time at a beach reserve

It is not a great fit if:

• You cannot climb stairs unaided or walk up stairs comfortably
• You are not agile enough for that kind of movement around a pier and village streets
• You are outside the required weight range of 35 kg to 120 kg

A few more practical points:

• Minimum age is 10 years for the Family Fun Ride and A Taste of Segway.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• There is a maximum of 6 travelers per tour booking, which usually keeps things calmer and more personal.

If you are unsure, use your comfort level with training and moving around a transit pier as your guide. The ride itself is meant to be fun and relaxing, but it still depends on you being physically comfortable with the short walking and stair sections around the meeting point and back streets.

Making the Most of Your Segway Day in Devonport

To get the best experience, treat the training part as the main event. The faster you absorb the instructions and practice turns and stops, the more confident you will feel later when the scenery takes over.

Dress for real weather. The tour runs in all weather conditions, and you are near water, so wind can make it feel colder than you expect. Comfortable shoes also help your confidence while you are moving on and off the Segway and navigating around the waterfront area.

When you reach Cheltenham Beach, slow down and take your time with photos and viewpoints. The main goal here is not just riding. It is the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island perspective from this particular angle.

Finally, if this is your first time on a Segway, focus on smooth, controlled movement rather than trying to go fast. Your guide is there for maneuvering, and you will enjoy the ride more when you feel balanced.

Should You Book This Devonport Segway Tour?

Yes, book it if you want a fun, structured introduction to Devonport that mixes training, local stops, and big water views without the hassle of planning transport. The included helmet, the one-on-one full training, and the small group size make it a strong choice for first-timers who want confidence fast.

Skip it if stairs and tight movement are a problem for you, or if weather comfort is a concern and you are not prepared to dress for it. Also, if you are traveling mainly for museum time or deep architectural tours, you might prefer a slower, on-foot option.

If you fit the right comfort range, this is one of those activities that turns sightseeing into something you actively do, not just something you passively watch.

FAQ

How long is the Segway tour?

The tour runs for about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Do I need Segway experience?

No experience is needed. You get full training and time to practice before you go out on the tour.

Is a helmet included?

Yes. A helmet is supplied with your Segway Personal Transporter.

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

It starts at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours at Devonport Ferry Terminal 1, Queens Parade, Devonport, Auckland 0624, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What is included in the price?

The Segway and helmet, GST, live commentary, and one-on-one full training and practice time are included. Transportation to and from the meeting point is not included.

What is the minimum age?

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

What weight range is required?

Participants must be between 35 kg and 120 kg (75 lbs to 265 lbs).

Does it run in bad weather?

It operates in all weather conditions. If canceled due to extreme weather that makes it unsafe to ride, you can choose an alternative date or a refund, with an administration fee deducted.