Segways turn Devonport into your personal sightseeing postcard. This guided ride in Auckland’s historic seaside village pairs beginner-friendly training with smooth cruising past waterfront views toward Cheltenham Beach and Rangitoto Island. Even if you have never tried a Segway, the format is designed to get you comfortable before you start the scenic loop.

The trade-off is simple: the tour involves moderate fitness and some stair use, so it is not ideal if you cannot climb stairs unaided or walk comfortably in all weather.

Key Highlights You Will Actually Feel During The Ride

• One-on-one full training plus plenty of practice time before you roll out
• Helmet provided and your guide gives live commentary the whole way
• Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island views from the Cheltenham area
• Small group size (max 6), which keeps the pace calm and controllable
• Devonport village streets and historic homes for a different feel than the waterfront

First-Time Segway Fun in Devonport, Not a “Demo and Leave” Tour

This is the kind of Auckland activity that makes sense early in your trip. You get a guided route through a compact area, with enough scenery to feel like you did something meaningful, without spending the whole day in transit. Devonport is a classic seaside stop, and the Segway adds that extra layer of fun, like you are moving through the town instead of just looking at it.

I especially like the way this tour is built for first-timers. You start with training and practice, not right into traffic-like conditions. That matters because it turns a possibly stressful activity into a relaxed one where you can focus on the views and the guide’s stories.

You also get live commentary, so you are not stuck just steering and guessing what you are seeing. And because the group cap is low, you are less likely to feel rushed or lost in a big herd.

The one thing to keep in mind is physical comfort. The operator notes it is not recommended if you are not agile enough to climb stairs unaided, and it is described as requiring a moderate fitness level. If you can manage stairs and short stretches on uneven surfaces, you are probably fine. If you cannot, skip this one.

How Magic Broomstick’s Training Makes a Segway Tour Work

The biggest reason this tour gets such strong ratings is the training approach. You receive one-on-one full training plus time to practice your balance and control before the sightseeing part starts. That is the difference between a Segway tour that feels like a gimmick and one that feels like a friendly introduction.

The operator supplies the Segway Personal Transporter and a helmet, so you are not trying to figure out gear on your own. The weight limit is clearly stated, too, with participants needing to fall between 35 kg and 120 kg. If you are within that range, you can go in knowing the tour is set up to be safe and adjustable.

You should also expect the tour to operate in all weather. That is practical but also means you should dress for the conditions, not for your Instagram photos. If it is wet or windy, you will still be moving at a steady pace, so bring grippy shoes and layer up.

A small but useful tip comes from a prior rider’s note on finding the start. The directions are a little hidden inside Devonport Ferry Terminal 1. The key detail is to go straight into the undercover pier area and look to the right for the shop, because it is easy to overshoot the correct spot if you walk too far along the terminal.

Devonport Waterfront: The Views Are the Point, and the Segway Gets You There

Once you are comfortable, the sightseeing section focuses on the Devonport waterfront. This is where the Segway experience earns its keep. Instead of slow walking, you cover the shoreline at an easy pace, with time to look around. You will head toward Cheltenham Beach and pick up views across the Hauraki Gulf and out to Rangitoto Island.

Waterfront routes are great on a Segway because you get wide sight lines and lots of open space to practice your turns as you go. You will pass historic homes and sports grounds along the way, which helps you understand the layout of the village rather than just hitting one scenic lookout and calling it done.

Live commentary is a real advantage here. It means you are not just collecting random photos, you are also learning what you are looking at in plain language. The tour’s vibe is meant to be relaxing and fun, not overly technical. That fits first-timers, and it is also pleasant if you are traveling with someone who does not want to cram in a long walking tour.

One more thing I like: the route includes both waterfront and village streets. That variety helps prevent the tour from feeling repetitive. The waterfront gives you the big views, and the back streets bring you closer to the character of Devonport.

Cheltenham Beach: Where the Tour Feels Like Play

Cheltenham Beach is one of those places that feels made for a Segway stop. You get your scenic moment, but you also get a change of pace. The tour takes you into the Cheltenham area so you can enjoy some time where the environment is open and the ride feels less like “touring” and more like you are just out having fun.

From a practical standpoint, this stop also gives you a quick mental reset. After learning the basics and rolling along the waterfront, a beach reserve scene can help you relax and enjoy the mechanics of riding without worrying about tight turns or dense streets.

You will also find the views are naturally the headline. From here, the look out toward Rangitoto Island and the wider Hauraki Gulf is part of why the tour exists. Even if you have been looking at maps and postcards, seeing it while you move changes the experience. It becomes easier to understand how Auckland’s islands and bays fit together.

Back Through Devonport Village and the Museum Stop

After the waterfront, you head back through Devonport. This is the portion I think many people underestimate. The Segway is not just about views, it is also about getting a sense of the town layout without burning hours on walking.

You will maneuver your Segway up and down the village back streets. That is part of the charm, because you are now in the smaller-scale streets where historic structures matter. The tour highlights restored Victorian villas, which gives Devonport a distinct feel compared to the more modern parts of Auckland.

There is also a time tied to the Devonport Museum. Even if you only skim what is available, it adds context to the village beyond the scenery. It helps make the tour feel more grounded, because you are not only moving through the town, you are also pausing to connect what you see with the place’s identity.

A gentle word of caution: the operator notes the tour is not recommended if you are not agile enough to walk up stairs unaided. That means you should think about how you will handle getting on and off areas along the route. If stairs are a problem for you, the experience may feel stressful rather than fun.

Price, Value, and What Makes This One Feel Worth It

At $55.85 per person, this is not the cheapest activity in Auckland, but it also is not trying to be. The value comes from three things that actually affect your experience: training, time, and guide attention.

You get GST included, helmet included, and live commentary included. Most importantly, you get one-on-one full training and practice time before the scenic ride. That reduces the “risk” factor of trying a new activity. If you have ever paid for a tour where you feel thrown into the hard part, you will appreciate what this setup is doing.

Group size also supports the value. With a max of 6 people, you are more likely to get individual coaching during the practice phase and during the route. That is what keeps it beginner-friendly.

The other practical point is that it ends back at the meeting point, which makes timing easier. Plan to spend about 1 hour 30 minutes total, and then you can keep the rest of your day flexible.

You do not get transportation to or from the start location included. Still, the meeting spot is at Devonport Ferry Terminal 1, and it is near public transportation, so you can plug it into your Auckland day without needing private rides.

Who Should Book This, and Who Should Skip It

This tour is a strong fit if you are:

• visiting Auckland for the first time and want a guided introduction to Devonport
• curious about Segways but nervous about learning from scratch
• someone who enjoys views, short photo breaks, and moving at an easy pace
• traveling with a partner or small group and prefer a smaller tour format

It may be the wrong choice if you:

• cannot climb stairs unaided or have trouble walking on uneven surfaces
• do not meet the stated weight range (35 kg to 120 kg)
• need an activity that is fully step-free based on the information provided

If you are the type who likes “try it, learn it, then see the scenery,” this tour hits the sweet spot.

Should You Book the Segway Taste of the Sensation?

I would book this if you want a fun, low-stress introduction to Segway riding paired with real Devonport scenery. The combination of training time, small group size, and the waterfront route toward Cheltenham Beach, Hauraki Gulf views, and Rangitoto makes it a good use of a short Auckland day.

I would not book it if stairs or mobility limits are an issue for you. The tour runs in all weather, so dressing appropriately matters too.

If you do go, aim to arrive early enough to find the start spot inside Devonport Ferry Terminal 1. Then you can settle in, get your helmet, and focus on the ride. That is where this one turns into a genuinely memorable Auckland moment.

FAQ

How long is the Segway sightseeing tour in Devonport?

It runs for about 1 hour 30 minutes.

What is the price per person?

The price is $55.85 per person.

Do I need prior Segway experience?

No. You get one-on-one full training and time to practice before you ride the sightseeing route.

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. A helmet is provided as part of the equipment.

Where does the tour start and 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 are the age and weight limits?

The minimum age is 10 years for both the Family Fun Ride and A Taste of Segway. Weight must be between 35 kg and 120 kg.

What if weather makes the ride unsafe?

The tour operates in all weather conditions, but if it is canceled due to extreme weather that makes it unsafe to ride, you are offered an alternative date or a refund (less administration fee). You can also cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.