Trying a Segway in Devonport is a fast way to have fun. You’ll start with one-on-one training and then roll out for a guided loop that pairs laughs with real scenery around Devonport’s waterfront. I like how the tour keeps it practical: helmet on, lessons first, then sightseeing.

The second thing I really like is the built-in sightseeing structure. You’ll reach Cheltenham Beach for big out-on-the-water views toward the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island, then come back through Devonport’s older streets for a change of pace.

One possible drawback: this is not a sit-down experience. You should be comfortable with moderate walking and, specifically, climbing stairs unaided, since the tour setup isn’t designed for people who can’t do that.

Key things to know before you ride

• Full training before sightseeing so first-timers aren’t just dropped on a board
• Cheltenham Beach stop for wide-open views over the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island
• Small groups (max 6) which makes the guide’s attention feel personal
• Helmet + Segway included so you’re not scrambling to find gear
• Works in all weather but you’ll want to dress for wind, spray, and changing conditions

Entering Magic Broomstick: the Devonport start that matters

This tour meets at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours inside Devonport Ferry Terminal 1 on Queens Parade. The good news is it’s easy to reach by public transport once you’re in Devonport. The slightly tricky part is that the shop can feel tucked inside the terminal building.

Here’s the practical way to find it: when you get off the ferry, walk straight into the undercover section of the pier. The shop is on the right. If you’ve gone more than about 20 meters past where you expected to turn, you might have kept walking too far. I love a clear landmark tip like that, because it saves time and keeps the start stress-free.

A detail I think is underrated: you’re meeting in a real working ferry area. That gives the whole experience a sense of place right away. You’re not starting in a random parking lot. You’re starting in Devonport, the seaside village people come to because it feels old-school and lived-in.

The training: how they teach you to ride without making it scary

The headline promise here is simple: no experience is needed. That’s backed up by the way the tour is set up. Before you ride around for sightseeing, you get one-on-one full training plus time to practice.

In real terms, this means you’ll spend the first stretch learning control—turning, balancing, and getting comfortable moving at a normal pace—before you’re asked to do anything that feels more like “touring.” It’s one of the reasons this works so well for first-time visitors to Auckland. You get the fun part without the awkward first-minute learning curve.

The helmet is also included, and I’m glad. Segways are stable, but you’re still moving through streets and paths. The helmet is not there to frighten you. It’s there to keep the experience relaxed.

Also, the operator sets weight requirements: 35 kg to 120 kg (75–265 lbs). If you’re outside that range, don’t force it. You’ll get a more comfortable ride when the Segway is set for your body.

Devonport waterfront and the museum stop: where the story starts

Once the training is done, your guide takes you through the parts of Devonport that are easy to miss if you’re just walking. The vibe is: glide, stop, look, and listen.

One stop is Devonport Museum. I like this kind of mid-ride stop because it gives context. You’re not only moving past pretty scenes. You’re also seeing how the village thinks about itself—its past, its identity, and why the waterfront area feels the way it does.

There’s also a useful rhythm to the tour. You’re not forced to stare at a screen or memorize facts. Instead, you’ll get live commentary while you ride. That matters because Devonport is a place where the sights are visible in layers: homes, sports grounds, the water edge, and the built-up hills in the distance.

And because it’s a maximum of 6 people, you’re less likely to feel like you’re part of a big slow pack. A smaller group keeps the pace friendly, especially when you have to slow down for turns or for the guide to explain something.

Cheltenham Beach: Hauraki Gulf views and the best photo moment

The tour’s “wow, look at that” stop is Cheltenham Beach. This is where you’re set up for views of the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island.

Even if you’ve seen island viewpoints before, this one has a specific Segway advantage: you can reach the viewpoint area with less back-and-forth walking. You still get the open-air feel, but you’re not burning your whole day on hills and stairs.

What to expect when you get there: you’ll have time for Segway fun at the reserve. That sounds playful, and it is, but it also has a practical purpose. It lets you test your comfort level in a more open space. After you’ve practiced during training, Cheltenham is the payoff where you feel like you’ve truly “got it.”

Just be ready for weather. The tour runs in all weather conditions, so you’ll want to dress appropriately for wind and spray off the water. If it’s a blustery day, bring a jacket you don’t mind getting a little damp.

Back into Devonport: Victorian villas without the full slog

After Cheltenham Beach, you head back to Devonport and spend time riding around the village streets. The description calls out maneuvering up and down back streets and admiring restored Victorian villas.

This is the part of the tour I think gives the best value to first-timers. Devonport is pretty, but walking a lot in a short time can make it feel like you’re just power-walking from one “nice street” to the next. On a Segway, you get that same visual payoff with less physical effort.

You’ll also pass historic homes and sports grounds. That’s part of what makes the ride feel like more than just a viewpoint run. It’s a tour of how Devonport looks and lives today, not only how it looks in a postcard.

One note on the “up and down” streets: the tour isn’t recommended if you’re not agile enough to climb stairs unaided or walk up stairs unaided. So if you know your legs and knees hate stairs, take that seriously. You’ll enjoy the ride more when you can handle the little movement changes without stress.

Price and value: is $55.85 worth it?

The price is $55.85 per person for an experience listed at about 1 hour 30 minutes. That’s a fair chunk of time for a guided activity that includes:

• the Segway and helmet
• GST
• live commentary
• one-on-one full training and practice time

Here’s how I’d judge the value as a visitor: you’re not paying only for the ride. You’re paying for instruction + gear + guide time + a guided route that hits waterfront scenery and an iconic viewpoint area.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to see more with less effort (and you like hands-on activities), it’s solid value. You’re getting a “doing” experience, not just a passive bus stop.

If you already have a strong tolerance for walking and you don’t care about Segway riding, you could spend less money on sightseeing by foot. But you’d lose the training component and the easy glide between viewpoints and streets.

Also, small-group size helps the price make sense. A max of 6 travelers per tour booking means you’re more likely to get attention when you need it.

Weather, timing, and when to plan your day

This tour operates in all weather conditions. That’s a good sign for consistency, but it also means you should expect the ride to feel different on a rainy or windy day.

If extreme weather cancels it for safety reasons, you’ll get an option of an alternative date or a refund with an administration fee deducted. In other words, they’re not treating this like a “maybe, maybe not” activity. They take safety seriously, and they communicate options if conditions get unsafe.

For timing, plan on about 90 minutes total, because the experience includes training and practice before sightseeing. If you’re building the rest of your day around it, leave enough buffer so you don’t feel rushed at the ferry terminal.

Who should book this Segway tour in Devonport?

This is an excellent fit for:

• first-time visitors to Auckland who want an easy way to see Devonport quickly
• people who want fun plus a guided route, not just a photo walk
• anyone who prefers a supported activity: you practice first, guided by the instructor

It may be a poor fit if:

• you struggle with stairs or aren’t confident walking up stairs unaided
• you can’t meet the 35–120 kg weight range
• you don’t like activities where you need balance and active control, even at a beginner level

Kids should note the minimum age rules: the minimum age is 10 years for the Family Fun Ride and A Taste of Segway. Children must be with an adult.

Should you book Magic Broomstick in Devonport?

If you want a sightseeing activity that feels like a real experience—something you do, not just something you watch—this is worth serious consideration. The standout strengths are the one-on-one training, the small group size, and the way the route mixes Devonport’s charm with actual waterfront scenery at Cheltenham Beach.

I’d book it if your ideal day includes light adventure, you’re comfortable with moderate movement, and you want your first Auckland look to be efficient. If stairs are a challenge, or if you’re worried about mobility, it’s better to choose a different kind of tour that doesn’t require climbing unaided.

FAQ

Do I need Segway experience before this tour?

No experience is needed. You get one-on-one full training and plenty of time to practice before going out for the sightseeing ride.

How long is the tour?

It’s listed as about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start?

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

Is the helmet included?

Yes. A helmet is provided along with the Segway.

Do I get a guided route or just free time?

You get live commentary and a guided route that includes time around the Devonport waterfront and a stop at Cheltenham Beach.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes the Segway and helmet, GST, live commentary, and the training/practice time.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?

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

What’s the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10 years for the Segway experience and family ride, and children must be with an adult.

What weight range is allowed?

Participants must be between 35 kg and 120 kg.

What happens if the weather is extreme?

If cancellation happens due to unsafe extreme weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a refund with an administration fee deducted.

When can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, based on the local start time.