A Segway in Devonport feels like cheating. This 1.5-hour guided ride gives you structured training, then time outdoors along Devonport’s waterfront and back streets for classic views over the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island from Cheltenham Beach. I like that you get hands-on coaching first, so you’re not thrown into traffic, and I like the live guide commentary that keeps the sightseeing moving. One thing to consider: you do need to be comfortable with getting on and off at points that may involve stairs, because the tour is not recommended if you can’t climb stairs unaided.

You’ll start at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours in Devonport (right by the ferry terminal), then practice your balance before you roll into the scenic parts. From there, the tour rhythm is simple: learn, ride along the historic seaside village, stop for a waterfront viewpoint at Cheltenham Beach, then head back through Devonport.

Key Points Worth Your Time

• One-on-one full training before you ride so first-timers can build confidence
• Helmet included and all-weather operation means you’re not stuck waiting for perfect skies
• Cheltenham Beach viewpoint time for Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island views
• Small group size (max 6) for less crowding and more attention from the guide
• Historic Devonport route mixing waterfront cruising with backstreet wandering
• Live commentary to connect what you’re seeing to the place

Finding Magic Broomstick Segway Tours at Devonport Ferry Terminal 1

Your tour starts at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours at Devonport Ferry Terminal 1, Queens Parade. This is a practical setup because you can plan your day around ferry timing, and the stop is easy to reach once you’re in Devonport.

The tricky part is not the Segways. It’s locating the shop in the ferry terminal area. A helpful tip from a previous rider: if you get off the ferry and head straight into the undercover pier section, the shop is on the right. If you’ve gone more than about 20 meters past that point, you’ve likely overshot it. I’m mentioning this because a small delay at the start can mess with your training time, and the early practice is the whole point of this tour.

The 1.5-Hour Flow: Learn, Practice, Then Ride Devonport

The schedule is short enough to fit into most Auckland itineraries, but structured enough that you don’t feel rushed. Expect about 1 hour 30 minutes total. Even though the vibe is playful, the tour is built like a lesson with a prize at the end: once you can control the Segway smoothly, you get to enjoy the sightseeing without fighting your balance.

The biggest value here is the sequencing. You don’t just get a quick demo and then set off. You get one-on-one full training and time to practice, with a helmet supplied, and then you ride around Devonport’s waterfront and to a reserve at Cheltenham Beach. For first-time riders, that practice block is what turns a novelty ride into something you actually enjoy.

Also, with a maximum of 6 people, you’re less likely to feel like part of a parade. That matters because training takes a bit of time, and small groups usually mean your guide can correct tiny technique issues quickly.

Training on a Segway: What the Coaching Is Really For

If you’re worried about being a beginner, I’d focus less on the machine and more on the method. This tour gives full training and plenty of practice before the group heads into scenic riding.

That approach is why this works for visitors who want fun without stress. Segways are simple once you learn the basics, but the learning curve is real—especially if you’ve never balanced on something self-correcting. The good news is that you’re not expected to figure it out on the spot. You’re expected to practice until you’re steady.

You’ll also get live commentary from your guide as you go, which means you’re not only watching the scenery—you’re learning what you’re looking at while you ride. In a place like Devonport, where streets, waterfront views, and older homes are close together, it’s a smart way to make the ride feel like sightseeing, not just motion.

Devonport Museum Stop: A Break in the Ride With Context

One of the stops is the Devonport Museum. The tour doesn’t position it as a long museum visit, but a stop like this can add context fast—especially if you’re new to the area.

Here’s how this helps you as a visitor: Devonport isn’t just pretty waterfront scenery. It has that historic-seaside character that makes Auckland feel more local and less like a big city. When a guided tour pauses at a museum, you get a chance to connect the surroundings to the story of the village before you roll back out.

A practical note: museum stops work best if you’re wearing shoes you can walk in comfortably, since you’ll be getting on and off the Segway during the session. Nothing fancy is required, but you’ll want to be able to move easily.

Cheltenham Beach: Views Over the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island

The sightseeing payoff is Cheltenham Beach. This is where you catch views across the Hauraki Gulf and toward Rangitoto Island. Even if you’ve seen Rangitoto from a distance before, getting a viewpoint from this side of the harbor feels different—more like you’re watching the water system that shapes Auckland.

This part of the tour is valuable because it’s an actual change of scenery. You go from village streets and waterfront cruising to a beach reserve setting, which makes the ride feel like an outing rather than a loop.

Timing-wise, you’ll have time for the Segway fun at the reserve, and that’s the moment when first-timers usually stop worrying about the basics. When your steering feels natural, the views land harder.

If weather is gray (it can be in Auckland), don’t panic. The tour operates in all weather conditions and tells you to dress appropriately. That’s important: if you’re only visiting for a day, a tour that runs in normal weather can still give you the best chance at those harbor views.

Cruising Devonport’s Waterfront and Back Streets (Restored Villas Included)

After the training and earlier stops, the tour includes riding around Devonport’s waterfront, then returning to the village area to maneuver the Segway up and down back streets.

That combination is where Devonport works as a Segway town. The waterfront gives you breathing space and big views, and the back streets add variety—historic homes, restored Victorian villas, and a sense of local texture. Because the tour is guided, you’re not left wondering what you’re looking at; the commentary helps you notice details you’d otherwise miss.

This is also why the one-on-one training matters. Back streets can mean more turns, changing surfaces, and more start-stop moments. Once you’re comfortable, those changes become part of the fun instead of a problem.

Price and Value: Is $55.85 Worth It?

At $55.85 per person, this isn’t an all-day tour, so you’re buying focus and efficiency. What you’re getting for that price is the full package: Segway and helmet supplied, live guide commentary, and a major chunk of time dedicated to training and practice before you ride.

In other words, you’re not just paying for scenery—you’re paying for instruction that makes the experience usable. For first-time riders, that’s usually where the real value sits. The route hits a classic Auckland viewpoint area (Cheltenham Beach) and pairs it with a historic village setting (Devonport), so you’re not choosing between learning and sightseeing.

Two practical value notes:

• Transportation to and from the start location is not included, so factor in ferry or other local getting-around costs.
• The group cap of 6 helps keep the experience personal, which matters when you’re learning a new device.

If you’re on a tight schedule in Auckland and you want a memorable activity that doesn’t require prior experience, this pricing makes sense.

What to Bring, Wear, and Expect in All Weather

Since the tour runs in all weather conditions, your clothing choices matter. Dress appropriately for the forecast, and plan for damp or cool conditions common around harbors.

What I’d do:

• Wear closed-toe shoes with grip (you’ll be walking on and off and moving around stops)
• Bring a light rain layer if weather looks questionable
• Keep your day bag small and simple so you aren’t juggling items while learning balance

Also remember: this isn’t recommended if you’re not agile enough to climb stairs unaided. That’s the type of detail that can make or break your day, so be honest with yourself before booking. You’ll also need to meet the weight requirements: 35 kg to 120 kg (75 lbs to 265 lbs).

Finally, children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age is 10 for this Segway experience.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is ideal if you’re:

• Visiting Auckland for the first time and want a quick, guided introduction to Devonport
• Curious about Segways but worried about learning
• Looking for a fun outdoors activity that mixes water views with village sights
• Traveling as a small group and you’d rather avoid big crowds

It may not be the best fit if:

• You’re not comfortable with stairs or getting on/off in changing spots
• You don’t meet the weight range
• You need an activity with zero physical movement involved

The sweet spot is first-time Segway riders who want to feel capable fast. The structure—practice first, ride second—turns the learning into part of the fun.

Should You Book Taste of the Segway Sensation in Devonport?

I’d book it if you want a short, guided activity that gives you both: a real Segway skill and a real sightseeing payoff. The combination of training time, a small group, and the Cheltenham Beach viewpoint makes this a strong value, especially for visitors who don’t want to spend hours figuring things out on their own.

I’d also book with confidence because it’s designed for normal conditions. It operates in all weather, and you’re told to dress appropriately. Plus, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so you can manage your Auckland plans without getting stuck.

One last decision rule: if stairs are a problem for you, skip this one and choose a different Devonport activity. The Segway experience depends on you being agile enough to move around comfortably.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Segway and sightseeing tour?

The tour runs for about 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.).

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 meeting point.

Is transportation to and from the start location included?

No. Transportation to and from the Segway start location is not included.

Do I need to know how to ride a Segway before I go?

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

What’s included in the tour price?

You get the Segway Personal Transporter, a helmet, live commentary from your guide, and the training and practice time. GST is also included.

What are the age requirements?

The minimum age is 10. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What weight range is required?

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

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions. You should dress appropriately. If extreme weather makes it unsafe to ride, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a refund with an administration fee.

How big are the groups?

The maximum group size is 6 travelers per booking.

If you tell me your travel dates and whether you’re coming from central Auckland, I can suggest the easiest way to plan your ferry timing around this 1.5-hour slot.