An Hour long Taste of the Segway Sensation and Sightseeing fun

Devonport is easy to admire from the footpath, but a Segway gives you a playful way to cover more ground without turning the outing into a hard workout. You practice first, then glide from the ferry terminal along the waterfront toward Cheltenham Beach, with views across the Hauraki Gulf to Rangitoto Island.

I like the one-on-one training and the small maximum group of six. I also like the mix of seaside views, sports grounds, old homes, and village back streets, since you see more than just the waterfront. The main catch is that you need enough balance and agility to climb stairs without help, and the tour runs outdoors in all weather.

Key points to know before you book

• Start at Devonport Ferry Terminal: The Magic Broomstick shop is in the undercover section of the terminal at 1 Queens Parade.
• Practice comes first: You receive full instruction and time to get comfortable before leaving the meeting point.
• Rangitoto is part of the view: The route reaches Cheltenham Beach, where the Hauraki Gulf and volcanic Rangitoto Island provide the main scenery.
• Small groups keep things personal: Bookings are limited to six people, useful for first-time riders who want room to learn.
• The ride is made for beginners: No previous Segway experience is needed, and a helmet is supplied.
• Check the practical limits: Participants must weigh between 35 and 120 kilograms, and the minimum age is 10 for the A Taste of Segway ride.

Starting beside the Devonport ferry terminal

The tour begins at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours inside the Devonport Ferry Terminal, 1 Queens Parade. If you arrive by ferry, the meeting point is in the covered part of the pier, very close to the terminal entrance. One useful bit of local advice: walk straight into the undercover section and look to the right. If you have gone more than about 20 metres from the ferry, you have gone too far.

That detail matters because Devonport’s ferry terminal can make the shop easy to miss. You do not need to search around the village before the tour starts. The activity begins at the transport hub, and it also finishes there, which keeps the outing simple if you are combining it with a ferry trip.

The supplied tour information labels the location as Waiheke Island, but the actual meeting point and route described here are in Devonport, Auckland. Check your booking confirmation carefully so you head to Devonport Ferry Terminal rather than another island destination.

Learning the Segway before the sightseeing begins

The first part is training, not sightseeing. Your guide gives you full instruction, then works with you one on one while you practice mounting, balancing, steering, and stopping. That is important for a first ride. A Segway may look unusual, but the tour does not expect you to know how to use one before arriving.

You also get time to practice before setting off. I consider that one of the strongest parts of the experience, especially for anyone who feels unsure about balancing on a motorized platform. The goal is not to rush beginners out into traffic or onto the route before they feel ready.

A helmet is included. You should still wear practical clothing and shoes that let you move comfortably. The operator says the tour runs in all weather, so bring clothing suited to the forecast. Rain or strong weather can change the feel of a seaside ride, and extreme conditions may lead to a cancellation for safety.

The activity calls for a moderate level of physical fitness. You do not need to be athletic, but you should be agile enough to walk up stairs without assistance. The weight limit is firm: every participant must weigh between 35 kilograms and 120 kilograms.

From Devonport Wharf toward Cheltenham Beach

Once the practice session is complete, the ride heads around the Devonport waterfront. This section gives you a quick sense of the village’s seaside setting, with open views and a change of pace from central Auckland.

The route then continues toward Cheltenham Beach. This is the scenic payoff of the ride. From the beach reserve, you can look across the Hauraki Gulf toward Rangitoto Island. The outing is only about 90 minutes, so do not expect a long beach visit or a full coastal tour. Instead, Cheltenham gives you a short, pleasant stop where you can take in the water, the island view, and the feel of Devonport as a shore-side community.

I like this part because it gives the ride a clear destination. You are not simply circling nearby streets on a novelty vehicle. You have a waterfront route, a beach reserve, and a proper view to look forward to. The pace also lets you enjoy the scenery without committing to a long walking excursion.

The drawback is that the supplied details do not give exact distances or explain how long you stop at each point. If your main goal is a long beach visit, this is not the right product. It is a short sightseeing ride that includes Cheltenham Beach, not a beach day.

Passing Devonport Museum and historic homes

The listed route includes Devonport Museum, historic homes, sports grounds, and the village’s back streets. The museum is part of the sightseeing area rather than a separately described museum visit, so you should not assume that indoor admission or a long museum stop is included.

The older homes are one of the best reasons to choose this tour over a simple waterfront ride. Devonport is known for restored Victorian villas, and the Segway lets you move through the village streets while listening to live commentary from your guide. You get a look at the buildings and local setting without having to cover the area on foot.

The sports grounds add another everyday side of the village. This is not a tour built only around grand sights. You see the places where local life happens, along with the homes and shoreline that make Devonport distinctive.

Pauline is one of the guides connected with Magic Broomstick Segway Tours. The training element is especially important here, since a good guide has to do more than point out buildings. You need clear instructions, patient correction, and enough confidence-building before the group moves into the public streets.

Why the small group matters

The maximum group size is six people. That is a useful limit for a beginner activity. A small group makes it easier for the guide to watch each rider, answer questions, and keep the ride together as people find their balance.

It also keeps the experience less mechanical. You are not being moved through Devonport as part of a large line of vehicles. The guide provides live commentary, and the small format leaves more room for direct instruction.

The tour is suitable for first-time visitors to Auckland who want an introduction to Devonport. It can also work for people who have already seen the city center and want a short change of scene. The ride gives you a taste of village streets and coastal views without requiring a full-day commitment.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age for A Taste of Segway is 10. If you are booking for a family, make sure every rider meets both the age and weight requirements. The operator also offers a Family Fun Ride, but the details provided here apply to the A Taste of Segway experience.

What the $55.85 price gives you

At $55.85 per person, the value rests in the instruction as much as the sightseeing. You are paying for the Segway, helmet, guide, live commentary, and a proper practice session before the ride begins. For someone who has never used a Segway, that training is a real part of the experience rather than a minor formality.

The 90-minute length is also practical. It is long enough to learn the machine, reach the waterfront and Cheltenham Beach, and see some of Devonport’s residential streets. It is short enough to fit around other Auckland plans, including a ferry connection or a day spent exploring the North Shore.

The price may feel less attractive if you already know Devonport well or prefer to explore on foot. Walking is slower, but it costs less and lets you spend as long as you like at the beach or museum. The Segway makes the most sense when you value a guided route, a bit of fun, and the chance to cover several parts of the village in one short outing.

The activity is commonly booked well ahead, with an average lead time of 56 days. That does not guarantee every date sells out, but it is a good reason to reserve early if your Auckland schedule is fixed.

Finding the meeting point and planning your day

The meeting point is near public transportation at Devonport Ferry Terminal. Transportation to and from the start is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there. The booking ends back at the same meeting point.

Because the activity starts and finishes at the terminal, it pairs neatly with independent time in Devonport. You can arrive, take the tour, and then continue exploring at your own pace. The provided information does not promise a specific ferry ticket or transfer, so treat the terminal only as the meeting location.

The tour operates in all weather. Dress for outdoor conditions and remember that a seaside route can feel different from a sheltered city walk. If extreme weather makes riding unsafe, the operator offers an alternative date or a refund less an administration fee.

You can cancel without a charge up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off uses local time.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a short activity with a clear sense of place. It suits first-time Auckland visitors, families with children aged 10 or older, couples, and anyone who likes trying a new way to get around without signing up for a long excursion.

It is also a good fit if you are curious about Segways but do not want to learn in a large group. The practice time and six-person maximum reduce the pressure of being a complete beginner.

You may want to skip it if you have difficulty climbing stairs unaided, fall outside the 35 to 120 kilogram weight range, or dislike outdoor activities in uncertain weather. It is not a suitable choice if you want a long museum visit, a serious history tour, or several hours at Cheltenham Beach.

The ride is more relaxed than strenuous, but you still need to stand, balance, and steer for the duration. If you are unsure about your mobility, this is one of the few Auckland activities where the physical requirements should be checked before booking rather than after arrival.

Should you book the Devonport Segway ride?

Book it if you want to combine beginner-friendly instruction with waterfront scenery and a quick look at Devonport’s historic streets. The best parts are the patient practice period, the small group, the view toward Rangitoto, and the fact that the route includes more than one type of scenery.

Think twice if your priority is saving money, spending a long time on the beach, or visiting a museum in depth. Also confirm the Devonport meeting point, age and weight requirements, and weather policy before paying.

For a short Auckland outing with a little novelty and a useful introduction to Devonport, the $55.85 price is reasonable. You get equipment, a guide, training, and a route that reaches both the waterfront and the village streets. That makes it a good pick for curious first-timers, provided you are comfortable on your feet and ready to ride outdoors.

FAQ

Where does the Segway tour start?

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

Where does the tour finish?

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

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Do I need previous Segway experience?

No. The tour includes one-on-one full training and time to practice before you begin the sightseeing route.

What equipment is included?

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

What is the minimum age?

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

Is there a participant weight requirement?

Yes. All participants must weigh between 35 kilograms and 120 kilograms, or 75 pounds and 265 pounds.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted for a refund.