An Hour long Taste of the Segway Sensation and Sightseeing fun

Devonport is one of Auckland’s easiest places to enjoy from a Segway. You glide from the ferry terminal along the waterfront to Cheltenham Beach, with Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf opening up beside you. Then you head back through quiet village streets lined with restored Victorian villas. It is sightseeing with a little bounce in your step, but without the footwork.

I like the generous practice time before the ride, especially for first-time Segway users. I also like the small maximum of six people, which keeps the outing personal and makes it easier to hear the guide. The main drawback is the short running time: 90 minutes gives you a pleasant taste of Devonport, but not a long, leisurely visit to every corner.

Key points at a glance

• Start inside Devonport Ferry Terminal: Magic Broomstick Segway Tours is in the undercover section near the ferry, on the right as you enter from the wharf.
• Beginner-friendly training: You receive one-on-one instruction and practice time before heading onto the streets.
• Cheltenham Beach viewpoint: The waterfront route brings you to a reserve beside the beach, with views across the Hauraki Gulf toward Rangitoto Island.
• A small group of up to six: The compact size suits people who want guidance without a large tour crowd.
• Victorian homes and village streets: The ride adds local character beyond the waterfront and beach.
• Ages 10 to 120 kilograms: Participants must be at least 10 years old and weigh between 35 and 120 kilograms.

Why Devonport works so well on two wheels

Devonport has the kind of layout that rewards a short guided ride. The village sits by the water, its streets lead naturally toward beaches and reserves, and historic homes appear along the way without requiring a long walk between scattered sights.

A Segway also gives you a different pace from a walking tour. You move slowly enough to look around, but cover more ground with less effort. That matters if you have just arrived by ferry, have limited time in Auckland, or want a light activity before continuing around the North Shore.

The route combines three distinct Devonport scenes. You start at the waterfront, continue toward Cheltenham Beach, then return through the village streets. You get open water, sports grounds, a beach reserve, and older residential architecture in one compact outing.

The experience is especially useful for a first visit to Auckland because it introduces Devonport without requiring you to plan a route. The guide supplies live commentary while you ride, so you can focus on steering and looking around rather than checking a map.

Finding Magic Broomstick at the ferry terminal

The meeting point is Magic Broomstick Segway Tours at Devonport Ferry Terminal, 1 Queens Parade. The shop is in the undercover part of the pier, on the right as you walk in from the ferry. Stay inside the terminal area. If you walk more than about 20 metres beyond the ferry, you have gone too far.

That detail matters because the operator is slightly tucked away inside the terminal building. Give yourself enough time to find the meeting point rather than arriving at the last second. The location is close to public transportation, and the tour ends back at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate pickup or return transfer.

Transportation to and from the starting point is not included. You are responsible for reaching Devonport Ferry Terminal, but the central waterfront location makes the start straightforward once you arrive in the village.

Learning to control the Segway

The first part of the outing is training, not sightseeing. You receive full one-on-one instruction and time to practice riding before setting off. This is a key part of the experience, not a quick safety talk followed by an immediate departure.

A Segway responds to your balance and body movement. The practice period gives you time to learn how to move forward, slow down, turn, and stop under supervision. No previous experience is required, which makes this a reasonable choice even if the machine looks unfamiliar at first.

The supplied helmet is included, as is the Segway Personal Transporter itself. Live commentary comes from the guide during the outing. The small group limit of six also helps here, since the guide can keep an eye on each rider while people are still finding their balance.

You do need a moderate level of physical fitness. The operator says the activity is not suitable for anyone who cannot climb stairs or walk up stairs unaided. That requirement gives you a useful picture of the physical demand: this is not a strenuous workout, but you must be agile enough to stand, balance, and manage the equipment safely.

Along Devonport’s waterfront

Once you are comfortable, the ride heads around the waterfront of Devonport. This is the most open part of the route, with water views and a sense of space that contrasts nicely with the village streets later on.

The waterfront section is also a gentle introduction to moving in public areas. You have already practiced in a controlled setting, and now you begin using the Segway as part of a guided group. The guide’s commentary helps connect what you are seeing with the place itself, rather than reducing the ride to simple transportation.

You pass sports grounds along the way. These may not be major sightseeing landmarks, but they add to the sense of everyday Devonport. That is part of the appeal here. You are not being rushed from one grand attraction to another. You are seeing a seaside community as it functions, with recreation areas, homes, and public waterfront spaces sharing the same route.

The ride is described as fun and relaxing, but you should still pay attention to the guide and your surroundings. A Segway lets you cover ground easily, yet you remain responsible for following instructions and handling the machine carefully.

Cheltenham Beach and the Rangitoto view

The route continues to Cheltenham Beach, where you visit a reserve and have time for more Segway riding. This is the scenic high point of the outing. From the waterfront and beach area, you can look across the Hauraki Gulf toward Rangitoto Island.

The setting gives the tour its strongest visual reward. You get a coastal view without committing to a long hike, and the beach reserve provides a change from the ferry terminal and built-up village. If the weather is clear, this should be the part of the ride where you pause, look outward, and appreciate Devonport’s position beside the gulf.

The tour does not promise an extended beach stop or free time for swimming. Think of Cheltenham Beach as a scenic section of a moving sightseeing route. You visit the reserve, enjoy the view, and continue riding.

Weather can affect how much you enjoy this part. The activity operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for the forecast. If extreme weather makes riding unsafe, the operator may offer another date or a refund less an administration fee. For an outdoor activity with open waterfront views, sensible layers and weather protection are more important than dressing up for Auckland.

Returning through Devonport’s Victorian streets

After Cheltenham Beach, you return toward Devonport Wharf and head through the back streets of the village. This section changes the mood from open coastal views to close-up local detail.

The restored Victorian villas are the main attraction. You see the kind of homes that are easy to miss when moving quickly by car or bus, but noticeable when rolling slowly along residential streets. The Segway lets you cover more ground than walking while keeping the village at eye level.

This part of the itinerary also makes the tour feel more like a look at Devonport than a simple beach outing. The waterfront and Rangitoto views are memorable, but the homes and side streets show why the village has its own character within Auckland.

The tour includes a stop at Devonport Museum in the stated itinerary, although the supplied details do not specify how long you spend there or whether you go inside. Treat it as a point connected with the route rather than planning your visit around a museum admission or a long indoor stop. The activity ends back at the ferry terminal meeting point.

What the $55.85 price gets you

At $55.85 per person, the value depends on how much you want from a short activity. The price includes the Segway, helmet, GST, live commentary, and one-on-one training with practice time. You are paying not only for the machine, but also for instruction and a guided route that links several parts of Devonport.

For a 90-minute experience, it is not the cheapest way to spend time in the village. You can walk along the waterfront for little or no cost. But a Segway tour gives you more range, a guide’s commentary, and a playful way to reach Cheltenham Beach and the back streets without organizing the route yourself.

The small group size improves the value. With no more than six people, the outing should feel less like a conveyor belt and more like a personal introduction to the area. That matters most if you are nervous about using a Segway, since the guide has room to give individual help.

The activity is often booked about 56 days ahead. That suggests you should reserve early if your Auckland dates are fixed, especially if you want a particular departure time. Confirmation is received at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted.

Who should book this ride

I would choose this for a first-time Auckland visitor who wants a quick, guided introduction to Devonport. It is also a good fit if you have already seen Auckland’s central waterfront and want something across the harbor that feels smaller and more residential.

Families can consider it, but children must be accompanied by an adult and the minimum age is 10 for the Family Fun Ride and A Taste of Segway. Everyone in the group must weigh between 35 and 120 kilograms, or 75 and 265 pounds.

The tour suits you if you enjoy light adventure, coastal views, and practical local sightseeing. It may not suit you if you dislike balancing equipment, need a long seated break, or cannot climb stairs without help. People seeking a full-day excursion, extensive museum time, or a serious historical tour should also look elsewhere.

The experience is suitable in all weather according to the operator, but that does not mean all weather feels equally pleasant. Rain, wind, or cold may make the waterfront and beach sections less comfortable. Check the forecast and wear clothing that lets you move easily.

How the experience rates for confidence and enjoyment

The experience has a 5 out of 5 rating from 13 reviews, with 100 percent recommending it. The strongest praise centers on two practical points: the Segway is surprisingly easy to ride after instruction, and the guide adds a great deal to the day.

Pauline is identified in the operator’s responses and is one of the guides associated with the experience. Her tone suggests a hands-on approach to teaching and a real affection for Devonport. That fits the format well. A short tour like this depends heavily on the person leading it, since the guide must teach a new skill, manage a small group, and keep the commentary moving.

One useful arrival tip comes directly from the meeting point’s layout: walk straight into the undercover ferry terminal area and look to the right. The shop is easy to miss if you continue too far along Queens Parade.

Should you book the Devonport Segway tour?

Book it if you want a compact, beginner-friendly way to see Devonport’s waterfront, Cheltenham Beach, Rangitoto views, sports grounds, and Victorian homes in one outing. The included training, helmet, live commentary, and six-person limit make the $55.85 price reasonable for a guided experience rather than a simple equipment rental.

Skip it if you would rather wander at your own pace, need guaranteed indoor shelter, or cannot meet the age, weight, or mobility requirements. For everyone else, this is a cheerful 90-minute introduction to Devonport, with enough instruction to make a first Segway ride feel manageable and enough variety to keep the route interesting.

FAQ

Where does the Segway tour start?

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

Where does the tour finish?

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

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $55.85 per person.

Do I need previous Segway experience?

No. One-on-one instruction and time to practice are provided before the sightseeing ride.

Is a helmet included?

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

What places does the route visit?

The route includes Magic Broomstick Segway Tours, Devonport Museum, Cheltenham Beach, and Devonport. You also ride along the waterfront, past sports grounds and historic homes, and through village streets.

What is the minimum age?

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

Is there a group-size limit?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of six people per booking and a maximum of six participants.

What happens if the weather is too extreme for riding?

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 ordinary weather conditions, so you should dress appropriately.