Guided Segway Tour to the summit of Mt Victoria in Devonport Auckland

Mt Victoria is the star of this tour, but the ride there is part of the fun. You glide through Devonport’s streets and parks, past Victorian villas, then head up the volcanic cone for 360-degree views of Auckland and the gulf. Along the way, guide Pauline shares local history and points out the curious mushroom-shaped structures near the summit.

I like two things in particular: you get a proper Segway lesson before setting off, and the group is capped at six, so there is room for patient instruction and questions. The main drawback is the weather. The tour runs in different conditions, but poor weather can make riding unpleasant or unsafe, so keep some flexibility in your plans.

At a glance: Devonport and Mt Victoria by Segway

• A village ride, not just a hill climb: Explore Devonport’s back streets, parks, harbor area, and historic homes on the way to the summit.
• A small group: Tours have a maximum of six people, making it easier to hear the guide and get help as you learn.
• A patient first lesson: Pauline gives clear instructions and practice time before the group sets off.
• A volcanic summit with broad views: From Takarunga, you can take in Auckland, the gulf, and Rangitoto Island.
• A two-hour outing: The ride includes about 20 minutes at the starting point and around 90 minutes at Mt Victoria, with the total tour listed at approximately two hours.
• A practical age and weight limit: Riders must be at least 13 for this tour and weigh between 35 and 120 kilograms.

Start at Devonport Ferry Terminal

The meeting point is Magic Broomstick Segway Tours at Devonport Ferry Terminal, 1 Queens Parade. The tour ends back there, so you do not need to arrange a separate return from the summit. Transport to and from the meeting point is not included.

One detail is worth clearing up before you book: despite the location label sometimes associated with this experience, the actual meeting point and route are in Devonport, Auckland, not on Waiheke Island. If you are staying in central Auckland, you will need to make your own way across the water to Devonport. Check your ferry and tour times carefully, especially if you are fitting this into a cruise stop or a tight day.

The guide is Pauline, the owner of Magic Broomstick Segway Tours. She has led Segway tours in Devonport for many years and brings a local resident’s perspective to the ride. Her commentary ranges from the area’s architecture and history to military-era details and local places of interest.

Learn the Segway before you set off

If this is your first Segway ride, the training is a useful part of the experience, not a box to tick. Pauline explains how to operate the two-wheeler, then gives you time to practise before heading out. People who have not ridden one before have found it manageable with her patient instructions, but you should still expect to concentrate while you get used to it.

That practice matters because this is not simply a flat circuit. The route includes streets, parks, and a ride uphill to the summit. Some parts of the ground may be uneven or grassy, so comfort and balance are important. The guide can adapt her help to the group, but you need to be able to follow instructions and control the Segway.

A helmet is included, as are live commentary and the services of a local guide. The small group limit helps here: with no more than six participants, it is easier to ask for clarification or take a little extra time to feel steady. If you are nervous, tell Pauline before the ride begins rather than trying to hide it once the group is moving.

The tour’s minimum age is 13. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and all riders must weigh between 35 and 120 kilograms. The activity is not recommended for pregnant women or for people who are not agile enough to climb stairs unaided. If either point may apply to you, check with the operator before booking.

Through Devonport’s streets and harbor area

The opening section introduces you to historic Devonport. Rather than rushing straight to the hill, the guide takes you through the village and nearby streets, with stops that bring attention to local architecture and the area’s past. Victorian villas give the ride a distinct sense of place, while the harbor setting keeps the water and Auckland’s city views close at hand.

The Segway changes the scale of what you can cover. You can move beyond a short walk around the ferry terminal without committing to a long hike, and the ride makes the journey itself an activity. That is particularly useful if you want an introduction to Devonport before exploring more on foot.

The first stop is listed as about 20 minutes, though the overall tour lasts roughly two hours. Think of it as an initial stretch of orientation and riding, not a separate attraction with a fixed visit. The exact pace can vary with the group and conditions, and a small tour gives the guide some room to respond to riders’ needs.

There is a trade-off. A Segway tour offers a quick overview, but it is not the same as lingering in every street or entering historic buildings. If architecture is your main interest, treat this outing as a guided introduction and leave extra time to explore Devonport afterward.

Climb Takarunga, or Mt Victoria

The main event is the ride up Takarunga, better known as Mt Victoria, the highest volcanic cone on Auckland’s North Shore. The summit is the payoff for the village ride: from above, you can see across Auckland and the gulf, with Rangitoto Island among the sights the guide points out. Give yourself time to stop, look around, and take photos rather than treating the top as a quick turnaround.

The ascent is part of what makes the Segway useful here. You travel uphill without making the climb entirely on foot, and the guide can keep an eye on the group as riders gain confidence. Pauline has helped participants who needed extra support on a hill, including riding alongside and steadying a Segway. That should not be taken as a promise of physical assistance in every situation, but it does suggest that the tour is run with attention to individual comfort and safety.

At the summit, look for the unusual mushroom-shaped structures. They add a slightly odd note to the view and give the guide another point of interest to explain. The broad outlook is the bigger attraction, though: city, sea, and volcanic island make a striking combination, especially if this is your first time seeing Auckland from across the harbor.

The advertised time at Mt Victoria is about an hour and a half. That gives the hill a generous share of the outing, though it includes the ride and time spent at the summit rather than a long independent stop. If you prefer a brisk guided activity with scenery built in, this balance works well. If you want a quiet summit visit with lots of time to wander on foot, a self-guided trip may suit you better.

What the two-hour tour feels like

Plan for an activity of about two hours from the Devonport meeting point, not counting your trip to the terminal. The listed itinerary divides the time into roughly 20 minutes at the starting stop and 90 minutes around Mt Victoria, while the overall duration is about two hours. In practice, your lesson, riding pace, stops, and weather can shape how the time is used.

Because the tour returns to its starting point, it is easy to pair with other Devonport plans. You might have time afterward for a meal or a walk around the village, but allow a buffer if you have a ferry, cruise departure, or another timed booking. One participant was able to make a cruise connection after a longer private-feeling tour, but that is not a reliable schedule to plan around. The tour may run over, and you should not count on an extended ride.

The tour operates in all weather, so dress for the conditions. Rain does not automatically mean the ride is cancelled, but the operator may stop a tour if extreme weather makes Segway riding unsafe. In that case, you can choose another date or request a refund, less any administration fee. If the weather looks doubtful, contact the operator rather than assuming the tour will run as planned.

Is $89.98 good value?

At $89.98 per person, the experience combines a guided village tour, a Segway lesson, the hill ride, local commentary, and a helmet. The price is easier to justify if you want more than a quick scenic stop: you are paying for a small-group activity and an introduction to Devonport as well as the summit views. Confirm the currency and final price at checkout.

It is less compelling if you already plan to walk around Devonport and Mt Victoria at your own pace, or if you are mainly looking for transport to the top. This is an experience built around learning and riding, not a shuttle. You also need to pay separately for transportation to the start, so include that in your day’s budget.

The small-group format adds practical value. With a maximum of six participants, Pauline can give more direct instruction than a guide managing a large convoy. And because she lives locally and has led tours in Devonport for years, the commentary is rooted in the place rather than limited to a list of photo stops.

Who should book this ride?

This tour is a good fit if you enjoy trying an activity, want a guided introduction to Devonport, and would rather ride uphill than walk the whole way. It also suits people who have ridden Segways before and want to cover more ground with a local guide. First-timers can take part, provided they meet the age and weight requirements and are comfortable learning a balance-based vehicle.

It is not the best choice if you dislike riding in changing weather, have difficulty with balance or stairs, or want a slow, independent walk through the village. The route is active, and the group needs to move together. If you are uncertain about the physical requirements, ask the operator before paying.

The tour has a 4.9 rating from 48 reviews, with 98 percent recommending it. The most consistently praised elements are Pauline’s clear teaching, her friendly and safety-conscious manner, the small groups, and the sweeping views from Mt Victoria. Those are meaningful strengths for a tour that depends on both a confident guide and a comfortable first ride.

If you need to cancel, the standard policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made later are not accepted for a refund. Weather-related cancellations offer another date or a refund, less any administration fee.

The verdict: book if you want views with a little motion

I would choose this tour if you want to see Devonport and Mt Victoria in a lively, compact outing, and you are open to trying a Segway. The local stories, careful lesson, small group, and summit views give the ride more substance than a simple novelty lap. Pauline’s personal approach is a real part of the appeal.

Book it with realistic expectations: the weather can affect the ride, you must get yourself to Devonport, and the Segway is the activity, not just a way to skip the walk. If those points suit your plans, this is a memorable way to get your bearings in Devonport and see Auckland from above.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

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

Is this tour on Waiheke Island?

No. The meeting point and route are in Devonport, Auckland. The tour goes through Devonport and up Mt Victoria.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about two hours. The listed stops include about 20 minutes at the starting point and around 90 minutes at Mt Victoria.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a local guide, helmet use, live commentary, and GST. Transportation to and from the starting location is not included.

Do I need previous Segway experience?

No prior experience is required. The guide provides training and practice time before the tour sets off.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age for the Mt Victoria tour is 13. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Participants must weigh between 35 and 120 kilograms, or 75 and 265 pounds.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour operates in all weather, but it may be cancelled if extreme conditions make Segway riding unsafe. If that happens, you can choose another date or receive a refund less any administration fee.

Can I cancel my booking?

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