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

Views come quickly on two quiet wheels. This small-group Segway tour takes you through historic Devonport, past parks and Victorian villas, and up Takarunga, also called Mt Victoria, for wide views over Auckland and the gulf. I like the personal feel of a maximum six people per guide, and I like that beginner training is built in rather than left to guesswork. The main drawback is weather: rain or poor conditions can spoil the ride, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant people or anyone unable to climb stairs without help.

Magic Broomstick Segway Tours is run by Pauline, a long-time Devonport resident who has spent many years guiding here. Her local connection adds more than directions. You get stories about the village, military sites, architecture, and the volcanic summit, along with plenty of attention to safe riding. At $89.98 per person for about two hours, this is not the cheapest way to see Devonport, but it covers a lot of ground without wearing out your feet.

Key points to know before booking

• Mt Victoria gives you the main reward: The summit offers 360-degree views of Auckland and the gulf, with Rangitoto Island among the sights mentioned along the route.
• Pauline keeps groups tiny: The maximum is six people, which leaves room for patient instruction and individual help.
• Beginners are welcome: Full Segway training and a helmet are included, and several riders found the machines easy to learn.
• Devonport is part of the experience: You ride through back streets, parks, harbor areas, and streets lined with Victorian villas before climbing the volcanic cone.
• Allow for weather risk: The tour operates in all weather, but extreme conditions may lead to a new date or refund, less any administration fee.
• Check the meeting details carefully: The tour starts at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours beside the Devonport Ferry Terminal at 1 Queens Parade. The supplied tour information also names Waiheke Island as the location, so confirm the exact departure point when booking.

Why Devonport is a smart place for a Segway ride

Across the water from central Auckland, Devonport feels calmer and more village-like than the city center. That contrast is part of the appeal. You get a ferry-linked seaside setting, open spaces, older homes, and a volcanic summit, all within a compact area.

A Segway is useful here because it lets you cover more ground than a walking tour while keeping you close to the surroundings. You can move through residential streets and parks at an easy pace, then stop when Pauline points out a building, a view, or a piece of local history.

I would not choose this tour only for the machine. The better reason is the combination of riding and place. You are not simply rolling around a parking area. You are using the Segway to reach Mt Victoria while learning about Devonport along the way.

The route also suits visitors with limited time. The tour lasts about two hours and returns to the starting point, making it easier to fit into a day in Auckland. If you arrive by ferry, the meeting point is at the Devonport Ferry Terminal, though transportation to the start is not included.

Starting at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours

The experience begins at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours near 1 Queens Parade, Devonport. Before heading into town, you receive a helmet and practical instruction on how to operate the Segway.

This training matters, especially if you have never used one. Several people who were new to Segways found the machines easy to learn after clear instruction and practice. Pauline is particularly careful with first-timers, allowing time to become comfortable before setting off.

You control the Segway by shifting your body weight. That can feel strange for the first few minutes, but the training is designed to make the basic movements manageable. A participant who had previously used Segways described these machines as easier than others they had tried, while another rider praised the time spent getting used to the equipment before the route began.

The guide also checks how people handle different surfaces. One older rider noted that Pauline practiced on uneven ground before taking the group across grassy and bumpy sections. That is a useful sign of sensible guiding, since a smooth indoor floor does not prepare you for every part of an outdoor route.

The tour has a maximum of six people. This is one of its strongest features. Small numbers mean Pauline can watch each rider, answer questions, and adjust the pace. One solo participant effectively received a private tour, while another group of four appreciated having plenty of room to ride.

Rolling through historic Devonport

The first main part of the ride explores Devonport itself. The route includes back streets, parks, harbor areas, and streets with Victorian villas. This gives you a look at the village beyond its ferry arrival point.

Pauline has lived in Devonport for decades, and that local connection shapes the tour. She shares information about the area’s architecture and past, as well as stories linked to Auckland and New Zealand. You get more context than you would from simply following a route on a map.

The stops are also useful for photographs. You can pause around the harbor area and other open points before beginning the climb. The ride is designed to show you the character of Devonport first, so Mt Victoria feels like part of a wider introduction rather than an isolated viewpoint.

Some of the route includes military and World War-related sights. The exact stops can vary, but the tour’s historical focus adds substance to the ride. You are not only looking at attractive streets. You are also learning why the area matters.

I like this balance. A purely scenic ride can become repetitive, while a talk-heavy tour may not leave enough time to enjoy the vehicle. Here, the Segway keeps the outing active, and the commentary gives the stops a purpose.

Climbing Takarunga, also called Mt Victoria

The main goal is Takarunga, or Mt Victoria, the highest volcanic cone on Auckland’s North Shore. The ride heads toward the summit, where Pauline points out places of interest and explains more about the area.

The climb is the part that makes this tour different from a simple Devonport town ride. Instead of walking all the way uphill, you glide toward the top on the Segway. That saves effort, but it does not remove the need for balance and control. You should be comfortable following instructions and handling a moving vehicle on outdoor surfaces.

The reward is the summit view. From the top, you get a 360-degree outlook across Auckland and the gulf. The city, harbor, and Rangitoto Island are among the sights highlighted during the ride. Clear weather makes a big difference here, so a bright day will give you the best chance of seeing the full sweep.

One especially unusual feature is the mushroom patch, the distinctive air vents near the summit. It is the kind of detail you could easily miss if you simply walked to the viewpoint, took a photograph, and left. Pauline’s commentary helps turn a curious object into part of the place.

The summit section is listed at about 1 hour and 30 minutes, while the initial stop and setup take about 20 minutes. Training is part of the overall experience, so the exact riding time may depend on how quickly your group becomes comfortable. Plan on roughly two hours rather than treating the schedule as a minute-by-minute promise.

Pauline’s guiding style and personal attention

The strongest feature of this tour is the guide. Pauline is described as patient, kind, friendly, enthusiastic, and careful about safety. She is also the owner of Magic Broomstick Segway Tours, which gives the experience a personal, owner-led feel.

That matters most when someone is nervous. A first-time rider needs more than a quick safety speech. You need a guide who notices hesitation, gives simple instructions, and does not make you feel rushed. Pauline has helped riders who were learning from scratch, and she has adapted her support when someone needed extra assistance uphill.

In one case, she rode alongside a participant and held the other Segway while helping with a climb. That level of hands-on help should not be treated as a guaranteed feature for every rider, but it shows the close attention possible with a small group.

The tour can also feel flexible when numbers are low. One solo rider received extra time and an extended outing. You should not book expecting an automatic extra half hour, but a small departure can allow the guide to respond to the group rather than run a rigid script.

Pauline’s long connection with Devonport is another advantage. She clearly enjoys showing the village and the summit, and that enthusiasm comes through in the descriptions of gliding uphill and seeing the city appear around the next corner.

Safety, fitness, and weather concerns

You do not need previous Segway experience, and most people can take part. The minimum age for the Mt Victoria Magic tour is 13, and children must be accompanied by an adult. All riders must weigh between 35 and 120 kilograms, or 75 and 265 pounds.

The ride is not recommended for pregnant people. It is also unsuitable for anyone who is not agile enough to climb stairs unaided. Some walking is involved on the North Head Tour, though that note applies specifically to the separate North Head outing rather than the Mt Victoria ride.

You should still have reasonable balance and mobility. A Segway may reduce the amount of walking, but it is not a seated sightseeing vehicle. You need to stand, respond to instructions, and manage outdoor surfaces.

A helmet is included, and live commentary comes from the local guide. The tour operates in all weather, so bring clothing suited to the forecast. That does not mean every condition will be comfortable or safe. Extreme weather can cause cancellation, with the choice of an alternative date or a refund less any administration fee.

Rain has already caused at least one planned ride to be abandoned after the group waited to see if conditions improved. Other riders completed the tour in wet weather and still enjoyed it, but the summit views will be less dependable when clouds and rain move in. If Mt Victoria is your main reason for booking, keep an eye on the forecast and avoid placing this tour at the very end of a short visit.

Is $89.98 a fair price?

At $89.98 per person, the tour sits in the paid activity category rather than the casual add-on category. The value comes from several things working together: equipment use, helmet, training, a local guide, live commentary, and about two hours of sightseeing.

You are also paying for a small group. A larger outing might cost less, but it would be harder for the guide to help beginners or tailor the pace. Here, six is the maximum, and the group may be smaller.

I think the price is fair if you want an active introduction to Devonport and would otherwise pay for a separate walking tour or viewpoint visit. It is less compelling if you only want a quick summit photograph, since Mt Victoria can be visited without booking a Segway tour.

The tour includes GST, but it does not include transportation to or from the meeting point. Ferry fares and other transfers are therefore extra. The supplied details identify the general location as Waiheke Island in one place, while the start and finish are clearly given as Devonport Ferry Terminal in Auckland. Check this point before paying, especially if your plans involve Waiheke Island.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

I would recommend it to first-time Segway riders, couples, families with eligible teenagers, solo visitors, and cruise passengers with a suitable time window. The small group and patient instruction make it friendly to beginners, while experienced Segway riders may appreciate the route and local commentary.

It is also a good choice if you want more than a viewpoint. You will see streets, parks, villas, harbor areas, historical points, and the summit during one compact outing.

You may want another plan if you dislike standing activities, have difficulty with stairs or uneven surfaces, are pregnant, or have a weight outside the stated range. You should also think twice if your schedule cannot absorb a weather change or a possible delay returning to the ferry area.

If you are on a cruise, leave a sensible buffer before departure. One participant enjoyed an extended private outing, but ship boarding times are not flexible. Tell the operator about your schedule and do not count on extra time.

Booking, cancellation, and practical details

You receive confirmation when booking, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. Mobile tickets make the arrival process simple, but you still need to reach Magic Broomstick Segway Tours at the Devonport Ferry Terminal yourself.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.

The tour is limited to six participants. That cap is worth noting when you compare prices, because it protects the personal feel that makes the experience work well for nervous riders.

Should you book the Mt Victoria Segway tour?

Book it if you want a playful, active way to see Devonport, especially if you are new to Segways and value a careful local guide. The best reasons are the small group, Pauline’s patient instruction, the mix of village sights and local stories, and the broad summit views.

I would skip it if you need a fully weatherproof activity, cannot manage stairs or standing, or only want to reach the viewpoint as cheaply as possible. For everyone else, the $89.98 cost buys a well-rounded two-hour outing rather than a short ride with no context.

Check the meeting location, confirm the minimum age and weight limits, watch the forecast, and leave enough time before any ferry or cruise departure. If those details fit your plans, Mt Victoria is a fine place to learn the Segway glide.

FAQ

Where does the Mt Victoria Segway tour start?

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

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point near the Devonport Ferry Terminal.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours. The listed route includes about 20 minutes at the tour starting point and about 1 hour and 30 minutes at Takarunga, or Mt Victoria, with training included as part of the overall experience.

What is included in the price?

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

Is transportation to the starting point included?

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

Do I need previous Segway experience?

No. Full Segway training is provided, and the tour is suitable for beginners who can meet the participation requirements.

What is the minimum age?

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

Are there weight or mobility requirements?

All participants must weigh between 35 and 120 kilograms, or 75 and 265 pounds. The activity is not recommended for people who cannot climb stairs unaided, and it is not recommended for pregnant people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If extreme weather makes riding unsafe, you can choose an alternative date or receive a refund less any administration fee. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.