Segwaying to fort tunnels feels strangely good. This guided ride takes you from Devonport’s waterfront up to North Head Historic Reserve (Maungauika), where you’ll see military bunkers, tunnels, and fort remains built in the 1880s. Then you roll back through beaches and parks with Auckland’s harbor and city views in your rearview.

I love the small group size (up to six) because you actually get attention, not just a headset and a checklist. I also love the helmet + hands-on coaching, which matters a lot the first time you ride.

One thing to consider: there’s a small amount of walking and stairs involved at North Head, so it’s not ideal if you’re not comfortable with that.

Key Highlights You Should Care About

• Max six people keeps the pace calm and the guide’s focus personal.
• North Head summit views stretch back over Auckland City and the Hauraki Gulf.
• Fort features you can spot up close: bunkers, tunnels, and older military structures.
• You dismount briefly to explore key areas instead of just riding past everything.
• Practice time before the hills helps first-timers get confident fast.

Start Line at Magic Broomstick in Devonport

Your tour begins at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours at Devonport Ferry Terminal 1, Queens Parade. It’s set up so you can sign in, get squared away, and get moving without a long preamble. The whole start is quick—about 10 minutes—which is nice if your day already includes ferry rides, museum stops, or a cruise schedule.

This is also where the tone of the experience becomes clear: the tour is built around instruction and comfort, not athletic effort. Even if you’ve never touched a Segway before, you’re not thrown into traffic on day one. In feedback I’ve seen, riders do a short practice portion first (often on the pier area) so you learn the basics before heading into the more exciting parts of the ride.

If you’re using the ferry route from Auckland (common for visitors to Devonport), the location is convenient. You’re not trekking across the city to find the start. That saves time and reduces the stress you don’t need when you’re trying something new.

North Head Historic Reserve: fortifications and big-horizon views

The main event is North Head Historic Reserve (Maungauika). You ride up to the summit first, where the views back toward Auckland City and the Hauraki Gulf are the payoff. On a clear day, it’s the kind of panorama that makes the climb feel worth it—because you’re not just moving through history, you’re looking out over the water that shaped it.

Then you explore the remains of a defense site from the 1880s. What you’re looking for is more than plaques and backstory. You’ll see real military leftovers, including fortifications, bunkers, and tunnels. Your guide points out what you’re seeing and adds stories that help the site make sense. The details matter here: it’s easier to grasp why a fort was built when you can connect the structure to the terrain and coastline you’re standing above.

A key feature is that you get time to dismount and explore a little. That breaks up the experience so it’s not one long ride with occasional stopping. Instead, you get short moments of close-up exploration—good for photos, and also good for actually understanding the place rather than just passing by it.

The only caution at North Head

This portion includes a small amount of walking and some stairs. The tour isn’t described as a long hike, but it does mean you should be sure you can handle steps without assistance. If your legs are fine but you’re anxious, that’s different—many people do okay once they realize the pace is controlled and the guide talks you through what’s next.

Riding back through Devonport: beaches, parks, and a calmer finish

After the fort reserve segment, the tour winds down with a ride that feels more like a scenic return than a wrap-up. You move past beaches and through parks, then back into the heart of Devonport.

This matters because Devonport isn’t just a stop—it’s a whole mood. You get the contrast: big military structures and defensive thinking up top, then open air and shoreline views on the way back. By the time you re-enter Devonport streets, you’ve already earned your perspective, so the village feels like part of the same story instead of an extra add-on.

Also, the return ride is typically where you’ll feel the confidence you built earlier. Once you’re comfortable controlling speed and balance, the experience becomes more about enjoying the ride and less about focusing on technique.

What $108.60 buys you (and why it can be good value)

At $108.60 per person for about 2 hours 30 minutes, you’re paying for three things at once:

• A guided experience focused on a specific site (North Head) rather than a generic city loop.
• Small-group attention (up to six), which can be rare at this kind of activity.
• Access to Segway time that usually takes practice to enjoy safely.

If you’ve ever tried to do a similar route on foot, you know how tiring it can get—especially when you want photos, viewpoint stops, and some time to look closely at structures. Segways don’t eliminate the need for walking entirely, but they do reduce the “all legs, no thinking” factor. That’s a real value point for people who want to cover ground without spending the day wiped out.

The tour is also helmeted, and you get live commentary throughout. That combination turns it into more than a novelty activity. You’re not just being driven in silence—you’re learning what you’re seeing as you ride.

One more practical value point: the tour includes GST, so the price you’re quoted is clearer. And the average booking window—about 45 days in advance—suggests this is a popular way to see Devonport and North Head. If you’re traveling in peak season, it’s smart to book early so you don’t get stuck with whatever time slots are left.

Small groups and a guide who adjusts to real people

The best part of this kind of tour is often the guide. In the feedback I reviewed, the guiding style comes through: instruction is described as clear, and the guide is patient when someone is nervous.

A name that shows up frequently is Pauline. Riders describe her as fun, informative, and especially good at customizing the experience—like adjusting when arrival times slip, or offering extra support when a group includes someone who’s older or new to Segways. You’ll also see mentions of gentle reminders and a calm approach during practice and then during the main ride.

That matters for your enjoyment. The difference between a good Segway tour and an okay one is whether you feel safe and understood. This is set up for that, starting with training at the beginning and continuing with a small group size that keeps the guide’s attention on you.

Practical timing, weather reality, and what to wear

The tour runs in all weather conditions. That’s common with outdoor activities in New Zealand, and it’s worth treating seriously. You’ll want clothing that handles cool wind and possible damp conditions—especially at higher elevations where the air can feel sharper.

Because it’s a Segway ride, you don’t want bulky footwear that feels unstable. Wear something you can walk in for short stretches, and plan for the fact that you might do a little climbing via stairs at North Head.

The tour notes that it’s not recommended for pregnant women and also not recommended for people who aren’t agile enough to climb stairs unaided. If either applies, skip it. There are other ways to see Devonport that don’t involve that physical demand.

Who should book this Segway tour?

This one is a good match if you want:

• A guided North Head visit without spending the entire day hiking
• Harbor and city viewpoints combined with a short, story-filled history stop
• A small-group experience where questions don’t get brushed off
• A new activity that includes instruction and helmet use

It may not be for you if you:

• Want a long, walking-heavy history tour (this is mostly riding, with short exploration time)
• Don’t feel comfortable with stairs and short walking segments
• Need something fully wheelchair-friendly or completely stair-free (the tour specifically mentions stairs and agility needs)

Age and fitness basics to check first

There are minimum ages depending on the tour type, and for the North Head historic option the minimum age is 13 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour has a weight range requirement of 35kg to 120kg (75–265 lbs).

It’s also a good idea to weigh the “nervous on a new device” factor. If you’re worried, that’s understandable. The tour’s format includes practice and clear coaching, which helps many first-timers. Just be honest with yourself about balance and comfort before you go.

Should you book the North Head Fort Segway tour?

If your goal is to get the highlights of Devonport + North Head in a way that’s active but not exhausting, I think this is a strong choice. You’re paying for access, guidance, and the convenience of covering ground efficiently while still getting close enough to see bunkers and tunnels rather than only hearing about them.

Book it if you like the mix of views, movement, and short real-world history moments. Skip it if stairs and short walking are an issue, or if you’re looking for a purely walking-based heritage experience.

If you do book, plan your clothing for cool or wet conditions and give yourself a little extra time to settle in at the ferry terminal start. Then show up ready to learn the basics—because once you’re comfortable, the whole route turns into a fun way to see Auckland’s North Shore edge.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

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

How long is the North Head Historic Reserve Segway tour?

The duration is about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

What ages are allowed?

For the Historic North Head tour, the minimum age is 13 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are the local guide, use of a helmet, GST, and live commentary. Transportation to and from the start location is not included.

Are there weight limits?

Yes. Participants must be between 35kg and 120kg (75lbs to 265lbs).

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available if you cancel 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. If the tour is canceled due to extreme weather that makes it unsafe to ride, you can choose an alternative date or a refund (less administration fee).