An Hour long Taste of the Segway Sensation and Sightseeing fun

A short Segway lesson is the gateway to a different side of Auckland: Devonport’s waterfront, its historic homes and the open views toward Rangitoto Island. You start at the ferry terminal, get one-on-one instruction, then head out with a guide toward Cheltenham Beach and around the village.

I like two things here: you get real practice time before the ride, so this works for a first-timer, and the route combines coastal scenery with the quieter streets of old Devonport. The small group limit of six should also make it easier to hear your guide and ask questions.

One point to check before paying: the supplied location says Waiheke Island, but the meeting point and route are in Devonport, Auckland. The tour is listed as about 90 minutes, despite its hour-long title, and transport to the meeting point is not included.

Key points

• A first Segway ride is welcome: One-on-one training and practice are included before you join the route.
• The outing is based in Devonport: Meet at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours inside Devonport Ferry Terminal, not on Waiheke Island.
• Expect coast and village streets: The route includes the waterfront, Cheltenham Beach, sports grounds and historic homes.
• Rangitoto is part of the view: The tour takes you to a reserve at Cheltenham Beach, with views across the Hauraki Gulf toward Rangitoto Island.
• Plan for about 90 minutes: The tour is described as approximately one hour and 30 minutes.
• Check the riding requirements: Riders must weigh 35 to 120 kilograms, and the minimum age for A Taste of Segway is 10.

Devonport from the waterfront to the back streets

Devonport is Auckland’s historic seaside village, and this tour gives you two ways to see it: from the water’s edge and from its residential streets. You ride a Segway Personal Transporter with a guide, rather than walking the whole route or simply looking out from a vehicle.

The waterfront section is the scenic opener. You ride along the shore toward Cheltenham Beach, passing sports grounds and historic homes along the way. The route is designed to bring you out to a reserve at the beach, where you can stop and take in views of the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island.

Then the tour turns inland. Back near the wharf, you maneuver through Devonport’s back streets, where restored Victorian villas give the village much of its character. That mix is the point: the coastline provides the broad views, while the streets offer a closer look at the older residential side of town.

The itinerary also names Devonport Museum as a stop, but it does not specify whether you go inside or how long you spend there. Treat it as a route point, not a guaranteed museum visit, and ask the operator if museum access is important to you.

Learning to ride before you set off

If you have never used a Segway, you are not expected to arrive with experience. The tour includes one-on-one instruction and time to practice before the guide takes you out. That is a useful part of the experience, not a minor prelude: balancing and steering are skills you want to get comfortable with before mixing the ride with a sightseeing route.

A helmet is provided, as is the Segway itself. The operator’s emphasis on training makes this a reasonable option for curious first-timers, though you still need to feel steady on your feet and able to control your movement. The tour is not recommended for anyone who cannot climb stairs unaided.

The operator’s reply to one guest is signed Pauline, and the reply describes teaching riders and taking them on tour. That gives you a named contact associated with the business, but it does not guarantee Pauline will lead your particular outing. If you are hoping for a specific guide, check with Magic Broomstick Segway Tours before booking.

Cheltenham Beach and the Rangitoto view

The beach section is the natural pause in the ride. You reach a reserve at Cheltenham Beach for some time to enjoy the setting and the view across the gulf. Rangitoto Island is a clear landmark in the tour’s description, so this is the part to look forward to if you want a coastal outlook rather than a street-only tour.

The value here is not a long beach stay or a full island excursion. This is a short guided ride, and the beach is one stop within a route that also covers the waterfront and village streets. If you want a full day on the coast, or time to explore the area on foot, this tour alone will not provide it.

Weather matters, too. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress for the forecast and be ready for changing conditions near the water. If extreme weather makes riding unsafe, the operator offers an alternative date or a refund less an administration fee.

Historic villas and an easy introduction to Devonport

Devonport’s restored Victorian villas add a different texture to the outing after the open waterfront. You are not just riding from one viewpoint to another; the back-street section lets you see how the village’s residential character sits alongside its seaside setting.

Live commentary is included, giving you context as you pass the sights. The exact commentary and how much time is spent at each point are not specified, so think of this as a moving introduction to Devonport rather than a detailed history tour with extended stops.

For a first visit to Auckland, that balance can be handy. You get a compact overview of a historic seaside village without needing to plan a route yourself, and the guide leads the way. If your priority is a slow, highly detailed walking tour or independent time inside particular attractions, a Segway outing may not be the best fit.

What the price covers, and what it does not

At $55.85 per person, the price includes use of the Segway, a helmet, GST, live guide commentary, and one-on-one training with practice time. For someone who wants to try a Segway and see several parts of Devonport in one outing, that is a fair amount bundled into a short experience.

The tour does not include transport to or from its starting point. It begins at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours, Devonport Ferry Terminal, 1 Queens Parade. If you are already in Devonport, the start is straightforward; if you are coming from elsewhere, plan your own journey to the terminal.

There is a practical tip for finding the shop: after getting off the ferry, walk into the covered section of the pier and look to the right. The shop is close to the ferry, and the operator warns that if you have walked more than about 20 metres from it, you have gone too far. That small bit of orientation can save you a hurried search before your ride.

Timing, group size and who should book

Allow about 90 minutes for the experience, even though its title refers to an hour-long taste. The supplied duration is approximately one hour and 30 minutes, which allows for the training and practice before the guided route. Keep that in mind if you are fitting the tour between other plans.

A maximum of six people per tour booking keeps the group small. It is a good size for a guided activity where you may need individual instruction, though the details do not say whether separate bookings are combined into one group.

The tour suits first-time Segway riders who are comfortable with moderate physical activity and want a guided introduction to Devonport. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age for A Taste of Segway is 10. Every rider must weigh between 35 and 120 kilograms, or 75 and 265 pounds.

The experience is not recommended if you are not agile enough to walk up stairs unaided. That is worth taking seriously: you need to be comfortable standing and moving on the device, not simply interested in the scenery. If you have any doubts about meeting the riding requirements, check with the operator before booking.

A smart choice for a compact Devonport visit

This is a good pick if you want a playful way to cover Devonport’s waterfront and back streets, and you have not ridden a Segway before. The instruction, practice time, helmet and small group limit make the unfamiliar part less daunting, while Cheltenham Beach and the Rangitoto view give the ride a clear scenic payoff.

I would skip it if you want a long beach visit, a guaranteed museum tour, or transport included. Also resolve the location mismatch before you book: the meeting point and described route are in Devonport, Auckland, even though the supplied location field says Waiheke Island.

At $55.85, the main question is whether you value the experience of riding as much as the sightseeing. If you do, this short tour offers a lively introduction to Devonport. If you would rather take your time on foot, spend the money on independent exploring instead.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

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

Does the tour take place on Waiheke Island?

The supplied location field says Waiheke Island, but the meeting point, route and named stops are in Devonport, Auckland. Confirm the location with the operator if you see conflicting information when booking.

How long is the experience?

It is approximately one hour and 30 minutes, including training and practice time.

Do I need Segway experience?

No. One-on-one training and time to practice are provided before the guided ride.

What is included in the price?

Use of a Segway Personal Transporter and helmet, GST, live commentary from a guide, and one-on-one training with practice time are included.

What are the age and weight requirements?

For A Taste of Segway, the minimum age is 10. Riders must weigh between 35 and 120 kilograms, or 75 and 265 pounds. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if the weather is unsafe?

The tour operates in all weather conditions. If extreme weather makes riding unsafe, you will be offered another date or a refund less an administration fee.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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