Two wheels and big harbor views. This guided Segway tour takes you up Maungauika (North Head Historic Reserve) to see 1880s military forts and tunnels, with helmeted coaching that makes it feel manageable. I love the combination of Pauline’s local stories and the chance to pause and look around on foot, and the views back to Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf are stunning. The main thing to consider is that there’s some walking and you’ll need to be able to handle stairs unaided.

What really makes this a comfortable outing is the small group size, capped at six people, so you don’t get lost in the crowd. It runs about 2 hours 30 minutes, which is long enough to feel like a real excursion without chewing up your whole day. If you’re already in central Auckland, you’ll still need to handle your ride to the ferry terminal area, since transportation to and from the start isn’t included.

You pay $108.60 per person, and that covers a live guide, helmet use, and GST—so you’re not hunting for add-ons once you arrive. In my view, it’s good value if you want more than a quick look and you like the idea of covering real ground with less effort than walking the whole route.

Key highlights worth booking for

• Small-group attention (max 6): You get coaching that’s slow enough for first-timers.
• North Head Historic Reserve access: See fortifications, bunkers, and tunnels tied to the 1880s.
• Helmet included + comfort-first training: You start with instruction before heading out.
• Spectacular summit views: Auckland city and the Hauraki Gulf open up from the volcanic cone.
• Devonport reset ride: After the fort, you glide back through beaches, parks, and Devonport village streets.

Why North Head and Devonport work so well on a Segway

North Head is the kind of place that rewards time and motion. On foot, you can spend half your day just getting from viewpoint to viewpoint. On a Segway, you keep your energy for the good parts: the summit views, the historic structures, and that slow cruise through Devonport afterward.

I like that the tour is built around two very different moods. First, you go into serious history at North Head Historic Reserve—military fortifications, bunkers, and tunnels. Then you switch gears and return through the seaside village feel of Devonport, with beaches and park paths along the way. It gives you variety without breaking your day into separate tickets and separate logistics.

If you’re the type who enjoys learning while you move—short explanations at the right spot, not a lecture—this format fits. And because group size stays small, the guide can adjust speed for the person who’s a little nervous or wants extra reminders.

Getting started at Magic Broomstick (and feeling steady fast)

Your tour starts at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours at Devonport Ferry Terminal 1, Queens Parade. When you arrive, you’ll sign up on-site, and you’ll get your helmet and instruction before you head out around the area.

One practical detail I appreciate: before you go anywhere scenic, you get time to settle in. For many first-time riders, that practice step is everything. You’ll get a chance to learn how to start, stop, and turn smoothly in a controlled area (think pier practice) before your route expands.

The payoff is confidence. The tour provides helmet use, and the guide’s job is to keep you comfortable while you figure out the motion. That matters because the North Head section includes changes in terrain and a bit of uphill riding, plus short stretches where you dismount and explore.

Also, the experience runs in all weather conditions, so your setup matters. Dress for wind and possible showers; you’ll still be outside while you ride, and you’ll want gear that helps you stay warm and steady.

North Head Historic Reserve: Maungauika’s fort tunnels and 1880s defenses

This is the centerpiece of the day. You head to the summit of Maungauika, a volcanic cone with standout views back to Auckland city and the Hauraki Gulf. It’s the kind of vantage point that makes you understand why defense planners cared so much about controlling sightlines.

At North Head Historic Reserve, you get to explore the remains of a fort built in the 1880s. You’re not just seeing one structure—you’re seeing the story in pieces: military fortifications, plus bunkers and tunnels that reflect how the site operated.

The tour’s tempo helps here. You’ll ride up, then your guide leads you through the historic area. You’ll also have a chance to dismount and explore a little on foot rather than staying sealed on the Segway for the whole segment. That short walk-and-look moment is a big deal, because it lets you notice details you’d miss at riding speed: how spaces connect, how an approach might have worked, and why particular spots mattered.

Why this feels worth your money:

• You get the view, then you get the context for the view.
• The guide connects history to the physical site, so it doesn’t feel like random ruins.
• You control the pace just enough to absorb it, without losing the momentum of the Segway.

The ride back: beaches, parks, and Devonport village streets

After the fort area, you transition back into the easier pace of Devonport. The tour ends by riding past beaches and through parks, then back into the heart of Devonport. This part is often underrated, because it’s where the ride feels most like a holiday.

Devonport is a seaside village atmosphere, and the Segway suits it. You glide through public spaces without loud bike-rush energy, and you can look around rather than scanning your feet the whole time. Even better, it turns your tour into a full “see-and-feel” outing instead of a single viewpoint stop.

I also like that the day loops back to where you started. The end point is the same meeting point (Magic Broomstick Segway Tours at the Devonport ferry terminal), which makes your next step simple. You can head back across the water without trying to reverse-engineer directions.

How much effort is involved (and who should book)

This is not an extreme endurance tour, but it’s not completely sit-and-go either. The tour includes a small amount of walking on the North Head segment. You also need to be able to climb stairs unaided; if stairs and footing feel like a challenge, this is not the right fit.

A few other requirements are straightforward:

• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• The minimum age for this North Head tour is 13 years.
• Weight must be between 35 kg and 120 kg.
• Service animals are allowed.
• It’s not recommended for pregnant women.

On the positive side, the tour is designed so most people can participate. The small group size also helps because the guide can slow down for the person who needs it, rather than forcing everyone into a single pace.

If you’re a cruise visitor, this kind of tour often works well because the area is compact and you don’t need long transit plans to get started. One reason riders get excited is that it tends to feel close to door-to-door from the ferry side—an easy way to turn a limited port day into a meaningful Auckland highlight.

Price and value: what $108.60 really buys you

At $108.60 per person, this isn’t the cheapest activity in Auckland. But it is priced like a guided, hands-on experience—with equipment and a trained operator involved.

Here’s what your money covers:

• Local guide and live commentary
• Helmet use
• GST
• Admission tied to the experience

What isn’t included:

• Transportation to and from the Segway start location

So the real question is how you want to spend time. If you’re trying to maximize sights with minimal walking and you want a guide to explain what you’re seeing, the value makes sense. You’re paying for motion (Segway use), safety gear (helmet), and interpretation (the guide).

If your priority is purely the cheapest way to see North Head, you can do a self-guided version. But you’ll lose the guided connection to the fort remains and the ease of covering the route without wearing yourself out on uneven ground and viewpoints.

Your guide matters: Pauline’s teaching style and pacing

This tour is operated by Magic Broomstick Segway Tours Ltd, and the guide name that shows up again and again is Pauline. She’s known for being patient, clear, and good at keeping first-time riders from feeling rushed.

I like that the approach is coaching-first. You get instruction you can understand, and you’ll get gentle reminders so your control feels natural. That’s especially helpful if you’re older, traveling with someone who’s nervous, or if you simply learn best when you get a few more tries before moving on.

You’ll also notice how the tour balances viewpoints and history. Some people want more city/village cruising time; others focus on the historic side. The good news is that you get both: fort views up at North Head and a calmer ride back through Devonport afterward.

Practical tips to make your ride smoother

A few choices will make this tour feel easier and more enjoyable.

Dress for weather you can’t control. The tour operates in all weather, so plan for wind and possible rain. Comfortable layers help you stay warm without overheating once you’re moving.

Wear grippy shoes. You’ll do a small amount of walking and you’ll be on terrain that expects your feet to cooperate. Good traction reduces stress, especially around stairs and dismount spots.

Be ready for a guided pace. If you need extra time to get comfortable, it’s part of the job for the guide to slow down. The small group format helps because your guide isn’t dealing with a huge crowd.

Bring your questions. The tour includes live commentary, and the best experiences happen when you ask about the fort layout, what each bunker/tunnel area was for, and how the summit position mattered.

Should you book the Guided North Head Fort Segway Tour?

If you want a guided, equipment-based way to see North Head Historic Reserve and also enjoy Devonport’s seaside vibe, this is an excellent fit. The small group size, helmet use, and coaching-first approach make it a strong option for people who don’t want to spend hours walking uphill.

I’d skip it if stairs and extra walking are a real barrier for you, or if you fall outside the weight range (35–120 kg) or minimum age (13+ for this tour). Also, if you hate being outside in wind or light rain, you’ll need to think carefully since the tour runs in all weather conditions.

FAQ

Where is the tour meeting point?

You meet at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours at Devonport Ferry Terminal 1, Queens Parade, Devonport, Auckland 0624, New Zealand.

How long is the Guided North Head Fort Segway Tour?

The tour lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

What is included in the price?

The price includes a local guide, helmet use, GST, and live commentary.

What is not included?

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

Do you get any practice before riding?

You’ll receive instruction and have time to practice before heading out on the route.

What are the age and weight requirements?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum age is 13 years for the Historic North Head tour, and participant weight must be between 35 kg and 120 kg.

Is there walking or stairs involved?

Yes. There is a small amount of walking on the North Head tour, and it is not recommended for people who are not agile enough to climb stairs unaided.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

The tour operates in all weather conditions, and you should dress appropriately. If cancellation happens due to extreme weather that makes Segway riding unsafe, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a refund.

What cancellation options do I have?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.