Segways up a volcanic hill sound unreal. I love the small group size (max 6) and the fact that owner-guide Pauline gives personal attention as you learn. The payoff is a long, fun summit ride with sweeping 360-degree views. One thing to consider: the experience depends on weather, and the Mt Victoria portion is not for everyone if you struggle with climbing stairs unaided.

You start with full Segway training and a helmet, so even if you’ve never tried one, you’re not thrown in cold. You also get a guided route through Devonport’s seaside streets and Victorian-style areas, with live commentary along the way.

For $89.98 per person (about 2 hours), it’s a high-energy way to cover ground without doing a lot of heavy walking. The only catch is that transportation to and from the start location isn’t included, so plan your Devonport ferry timing.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Max 6 riders per tour means more coaching and fewer delays.
• Full Segway training plus a helmet helps you feel steady before the climb.
• Historic Devonport sightseeing mixes easy riding with stops for photos.
• Mt Victoria summit views are the main event, with skyline and harbor views in every direction.
• The mushroom patch / air-vents stop is a memorable quirky detail along the route.
• Pauline’s long experience shows in how calmly she teaches and manages safety.

Why Devonport makes this Mt Victoria Segway such an easy win

Devonport is one of the easiest places in Auckland to turn sightseeing into something fun. You’re across the water from the city, but the vibe is quieter and more village-like. And you’ve got that ready-made hilltop target: Mt Victoria, the volcanic cone that dominates the North Shore skyline.

This tour works because it combines two things tourists usually do separately. You get a guided spin through Devonport first, then you scale Mt Victoria for the big panoramic moment. You don’t have to plan a route, manage parking, or figure out how to get up a hill with limited time.

I also like the plain, no-nonsense feel of the operation. It’s run by locals (Pauline is the owner and guide), and she’s built the tour around making you comfortable on a Segway quickly. That matters. A lot.

Getting started at Magic Broomstick, and what training really means

Your tour meets at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours at Devonport Ferry Terminal 1 on Queens Parade. It’s practical: the start is right where you’d likely end up after taking the ferry to Devonport.

Before you head out, you’ll get Segway instruction plus a helmet. The point isn’t just safety. It’s confidence. In past tours with this operator, people noted clear, patient instructions and a willingness to practice a bit before rolling into the main route. That’s a big deal if you’re nervous about balancing, or if you’re coming to Segways for the first time.

Another useful detail: the tour is built around small groups. When you only have up to six people, the guide can slow down for you. You’re not stuck waiting for the slowest rider in a long line of strangers.

Devonport streets, parks, and Victorian-style scenery before the summit

Once you’re set, you’ll ride through historic Devonport. The tour is designed to feel like an actual stroll, just with wheels and speed control. You’ll see back streets, parks, and Victorian villas, and your guide will explain what you’re looking at as you pass it.

This part of the ride is also where the photo chances happen. You get scenic breaks without the pressure of hiking for every angle. In the best segments, your guide times stops so you can take pictures and then get moving again.

One thing I really like here is how the tour balances easy cruising with meaning. You’re not just sightseeing. You get context about the area, including World War-related points of interest mentioned during the experience. If you enjoy learning while you move, this stage hits that sweet spot.

The Mt Victoria climb: smooth gliding up to the top

The climb to Mt Victoria is the centerpiece. Mt Victoria is the highest volcanic cone on Auckland’s North Shore, and the tour takes you to the summit where your guide points out places of interest and shares local history.

Timing is generous for the main “wow” moment. You’ve got about 1 hour 30 minutes for the Mt Victoria / Takarunga segment. In a tour like this, the reason timing matters is simple: it’s not only the climb. It’s the stops, the viewpoint time, and the time to settle your nerves if you’re still getting comfortable with the Segway.

On a practical level, the route also includes varied ground. You may ride across grassy or bumpy terrain depending on conditions, and you’ll be taught how to manage the Segway on uneven areas. In real-world feedback from riders, people specifically highlighted that practice can happen on rougher ground before the main route. That’s smart teaching, and it makes the whole experience feel more controlled.

At the summit: 360-degree views plus the mushroom air-vents

When you reach the top, the view does what it promises. You’re looking out over Auckland’s city and the gulf, with skyline angles that change as you turn. Riders also called out Rangitoto Island as part of what you can see from the summit.

And then there’s the quirky stop: the mysterious “mushroom” patch. The guide points out these mushroom-like air-vents, which makes the summit feel more than just a postcard viewpoint. It’s one of those details you’ll remember later when normal viewpoint stops blur together.

Who this tour is best for (and who should think twice)

This is a guided Segway experience, so it’s not a passive sit-and-watch tour. You need enough comfort with balance and basic movement to ride safely and follow instructions.

Here are the key fit checks from the tour rules:

• Minimum age for the Mt Victoria magic and historic North Head tours is 13.
• Weight range must be 35 kg to 120 kg.
• It’s not recommended for pregnant women.
• It’s not recommended if you aren’t agile enough to climb stairs unaided.
• You’re in all-weather operation mode, so you need to dress for rain and wind.

I’d also add a common-sense note: if you’re the type who hates wearing a helmet or panics at the idea of riding something new, this may not be the right style of outing. The training helps, but it’s still an active ride.

That said, the repeated praise in the ride feedback is very consistent: people often mention that the guide is calm, safety-first, and patient with first-timers. One rider even described that their group experience felt close to a private tour when they were the only participant. Small-group structure can genuinely change how the experience feels.

Price, value, and why the $89.98 cost makes sense

The price is $89.98 per person for an experience that runs about 2 hours. At first glance, that sounds pricey compared to just going to the viewpoints on your own. But you’re paying for a few things that would cost you time or money if you tried to DIY:

• A local guide who handles route choices and explains what you’re seeing.
• Segway equipment plus helmet.
• Training time so you can actually ride safely.
• Small group attention (max 6), which reduces downtime and helps nervous riders.

The value becomes clearer when you compare it to the hassle factor. Without this kind of guided route, you’d still need to get to Devonport, figure out where to park or how to walk the hill, and plan a route that delivers the Devonport sights before the summit.

One more small but meaningful value point: the tour starts at the ferry terminal area in Devonport. In rider feedback, people noted the convenience of reaching Devonport quickly from downtown Auckland by ferry. That makes this outing easier to slot into a day without wasting hours getting there.

Note: transportation to and from the Segway start location isn’t included. So the real “cost” is whatever it takes you to get to Devonport ferry terminal 1.

Weather reality and what to do if conditions turn

This tour operates in all weather, but it still requires weather that’s safe for Segway riding. If extreme weather cancels the experience, you’re given the option of an alternative date or a refund (you won’t just get left hanging).

In real life, rain can happen in Auckland. Some riders mentioned they started in miserable rain and either waited or rescheduled decisions. If you’re flexible, that’s a win. If you have a very tight schedule with no wiggle room, build in a buffer day or plan another Devonport activity as your backup.

Practical tip: wear clothing that can handle rain and wind. The tour is short enough that you’ll still feel alive after it, but weather affects comfort.

Quick logistics you should plan in advance

You’ll want to arrive with enough time to check in at the meeting point and get kitted up for the ride.

• Meeting point: Magic Broomstick Segway Tours, Devonport Ferry Terminal 1, Queens Parade, Devonport (Auckland 0624).
• Mobile ticket: You’ll use a mobile ticket for the experience.
• Group size cap: Max 6 riders per booking.
• Return: The tour ends back at the meeting point.

And if you’re traveling with a cruise schedule, keep in mind that the tour can sometimes run a bit longer depending on the group and how things go on the day. One rider did mention getting extra time when it was a solo rider situation. It’s not something to count on, but it’s a reminder to give yourself a little slack.

Should you book this Mt Victoria Segway tour?

Book it if you want an Auckland outing that mixes learning with a hands-on thrill. The Segway training, small-group attention, and the climb to Mt Victoria make it a rare combo: easy on logistics, strong on payoff.

I’d especially recommend it if:

• you’ve never ridden a Segway and want a calm, patient introduction,
• you like viewpoints, but you also want guided storytelling along the way,
• you want to see Devonport’s character without hiking for hours.

I’d pause if:

• you don’t feel comfortable with balancing a Segway or following instructions,
• stairs or uneven terrain would be a problem for you,
• you’re traveling with a rigid schedule and can’t handle possible weather changes.

If you’re on the fence, consider this simple rule: if the idea of gliding up to a volcanic summit while someone local shows you around sounds fun, you’re the exact person this tour was made for.

FAQ

How long is the Mt Victoria guided Segway tour?

It’s approximately 2 hours total, with about 20 minutes for the initial Devonport experience and about 1 hour 30 minutes for the Mt Victoria climb and summit viewing.

Where does the tour meet, and where does it end?

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

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a local guide, use of a helmet, GST, and live commentary.

Do I need transportation to the meeting point?

Transportation to and from the Segway start location is not included, so you’ll need to plan how you get to the Devonport ferry terminal area.

What age and weight limits apply?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum age is 13 for the Mt Victoria Magic and Historic North Head Tours. Weight must be between 35 kg and 120 kg.

Is the tour safe for first-time Segway riders?

The experience includes full Segway training and helmet use, and the route is guided. The instructions are designed to help you get comfortable before you head into the main ride.

What happens if the weather is unsafe?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to extreme weather conditions that make it unsafe to ride a Segway, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.