One ride and Devonport feels like a movie set. This guided Segway tour takes you through historic streets, then up to Mt Victoria for wide open, 360-degree views. It is also a smart way to cover ground without burning time on long climbs.

I especially like the mix of easy Segway training and real sightseeing. The small group size, max six, means you get personal attention from Pauline, the owner and guide, while you learn the basics and then glide through Devonport. I also like the payoff at the summit, especially the views toward the city, the gulf, and Rangitoto, plus the fun stop at the mushroom air vents.

One possible drawback to keep in mind: you will still be on a Segway on paths that can include uneven surfaces and you may face stairs at the top, so it is not ideal if you are not comfortable climbing unaided. Also, it is not recommended for pregnant women.

Key tour takeaways at a glance

• Max 6 per guide for real coaching, not a crowded bus vibe
• Full training + helmet before you head out, so first timers have a fair shot
• Mt Victoria summit views with 360-degree city and gulf panoramas
• Devonport back streets and Victorian villas plus history stops, including World War era points
• Mushroom air vents at the summit area are a memorable photo moment
• Weight range 35 to 120 kg plus an age minimum for this Mt Victoria tour

Segway to Mt Victoria, why Devonport is the perfect start

Devonport is one of those North Shore places that feels calmer than central Auckland, even though it is just across the water. The tour starts at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours by Devonport Ferry Terminal 1, Queens Parade, which is handy because you can plan your day around ferry times and not waste time on extra transfers.

What makes this tour work so well is the combination of two very different vibes. You glide through a seaside, historic village area first. Then you climb up to the volcanic cone of Mt Victoria, locally known as Takarunga, where the whole environment changes from streets and houses to open views and big sky.

Because you ride a Segway, you can actually enjoy the scenery as you move instead of only thinking about steps and fatigue. That matters on Mt Victoria, where the summit is the whole point of the outing.

Meeting Pauline, the small-group feel that makes it better

The vibe here is personal. With a maximum of six riders per booking, the guide can slow down the group when you need practice and speed things up when everyone is comfortable.

Pauline runs these tours and shows up in the details. In the reviews, people repeatedly mention she is patient, safety-minded, and genuinely into Devonport, not just reading facts off a card. That shows in the way she gives clear instructions, builds confidence before you roll into the sightseeing portion, and handles different comfort levels in the group.

If you have never ridden a Segway before, this is one of those tours where the training is not a quick formality. People describe getting enough time to get comfortable, including practice on uneven ground, which is important because Devonport and the route up can involve grassy and bumpy terrain.

Stop 1 at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours: training, helmets, and easy rules

Your tour begins at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours at Devonport Ferry Terminal 1. Plan on using that first stretch of time to learn the Segway basics and get fitted with your helmet.

The experience is set up for first timers. You get full Segway training, plus live commentary while you move. That means you are not stuck with silence between photo stops. The guide explains what you are doing, what to expect as the terrain changes, and where to focus your attention.

Practically, this is where you decide if you are comfortable with the feel of gliding on two wheels. Most people pick it up quickly, but I like that they treat safety as part of the fun, not a separate chore. You should also feel good about the small group size, because you are not being rushed out the door before you are steady.

Riding through historic Devonport: villas, parks, and photo stops

Once training is done, you head out to explore Devonport’s back streets. The tour is designed to show you more than just one viewpoint, and that is a big part of the value.

You will pass by parks and historic spots, and your guide points out architecture and local stories along the way. Reviews also mention World War era references, which makes the route feel more grounded and less like a generic drive-by.

This segment is where the Segway earns its keep. On foot, Devonport can still be a bit stop-and-go. On a Segway, you can move smoothly from one interesting corner to the next, so you actually get time to look around, not just cover distance.

You should bring a camera mindset here. People describe the route providing lots of chances to stop and shoot, especially before you reach the summit where the views take over.

The climb to Takarunga, Mt Victoria: 360 views and the mushroom air vents

The best part is the summit ride. Mt Victoria is the volcanic cone on Auckland’s North Shore, and it is famous for commanding views over the city and out toward the gulf.

From the tour structure, you have about 1.5 hours dedicated to reaching and experiencing the summit area. The guide uses that time to point out places of interest and share history tied to the location. You also get the 360-degree perspective that makes Mt Victoria worth the effort, even when weather and wind play their games.

The route includes a fun stop at the mushroom air vents. This is one of those details that turns a viewpoint into an actual story. It is not just scenery, it is something specific you can find, photograph, and remember.

And yes, the sensation matters. People describe the feeling of gliding up and then suddenly seeing Auckland unfold ahead. That moment is the reason this tour gets such strong ratings.

Price and value: is $89.98 worth it?

At $89.98 per person, this is not the cheapest thing you can do in Auckland. But it is also not trying to be a budget activity. Here is the value logic that helps you decide.

You are paying for four main things:

• Guided local route through Devonport plus interpretation at stops
• Full Segway training and helmet use, which reduces the stress of learning
• Small group coaching with a max of six riders
• A summit experience that would be much slower and more tiring without a powered ride

If your plan is mainly photos and viewpoints, the Segway shortens the time between them. That means you can spend your energy on enjoying the views, not only on moving.

Also, the group format can add value. One review described a longer, more personal tour when the group was very small. That is not something you should count on every day, but it shows the tour is built to scale with your group size instead of being a rigid script.

Who should book this Mt Victoria Segway tour

This tour works best if you want a guided sightseeing route with a fun skill component, and you do not want to spend the whole day hiking.

It is a good fit for:

• First-time Segway riders who want training plus structure
• People who like photo stops and local stories, including World War era points
• Anyone comfortable riding on a Segway over mixed terrain, with short walking sections

It has clear limits:

• Minimum age for this Mt Victoria tour is 13 years
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Weight range is 35 kg to 120 kg
• Not recommended for pregnant women
• You should be agile enough to climb stairs unaided

Service animals are allowed, which is a helpful note if you rely on one.

If you fall on the border of mobility comfort, I would treat this as a maybe and plan to be honest with the guide about what you can handle.

Timing, weather, and what to wear in Devonport

The tour runs about 2 hours total. That matters if you have a cruise or other tight schedule, because the activity ends back at the meeting point at the start location, Devonport Ferry Terminal 1.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, but you still need to dress for it. Devonport can be windy and damp, especially near the water and when you reach the exposed summit viewpoints. Bring clothing you can layer, and wear shoes with grip for bumpy and grassy ground.

If extreme weather makes it unsafe to ride a Segway, you can choose an alternative date or get a refund. In other words, you are not expected to tough it out at all costs.

My quick decision guide: should you book?

Yes, book it if you want:

• Mt Victoria summit views without a punishing slog
• A guided route through Devonport that includes history stops
• A Segway experience with training and a small group feel
• A tour run by Pauline, who is repeatedly praised for safety, patience, and local knowledge

Hold off or rethink it if:

• You are not comfortable climbing stairs unaided
• You are within the age or weight limits and cannot meet them
• You are pregnant and want something with less physical demand
• Weather is a deal breaker for you, since it runs in all conditions and the summit is exposed

If you want one solid, fun way to see the North Shore skyline and Devonport’s charm in the same outing, this is a very good match.

FAQ

How long is the guided Segway tour to the summit of Mt Victoria?

It is about 2 hours total. The plan includes around 20 minutes at the start point, then about 1 hour 30 minutes at the Mt Victoria section.

What does the tour cost?

The price is $89.98 per person.

What is included in the price?

You get a local guide, Segway helmet use, GST, and live commentary. Full Segway training is also part of the experience.

What is not included?

Transportation to and from the Segway start location is not included.

Where do I meet, and where does the tour end?

You meet at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours, Devonport Ferry Terminal 1, Queens Parade, Devonport, Auckland 0624. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What is the minimum age for the Mt Victoria tour?

The minimum age is 13 years for Mt Victoria Magic and Historic North Head Tours. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Are there weight requirements?

Yes. All participants must weigh between 35 kg and 120 kg.

What happens if the weather is unsafe for Segways?

If it is canceled due to extreme weather conditions that make it unsafe to ride, you can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund.