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

The best part of this tour is the ride itself: you learn to control a Segway, then use it to climb Takarunga, or Mt Victoria, Devonport’s volcanic cone. From the top, Auckland, the gulf, and Rangitoto Island spread out in every direction. The ride gives you more range than walking, without turning the outing into a hard hike.

I like the small groups of no more than six and the personal teaching from Pauline, the company owner and a long-time Devonport resident. I also like the mix of local streets, old homes, harbor scenery, and summit views. The main consideration is weather: rain can make the ride unpleasant or unsafe, and the tour operates outdoors in all conditions unless conditions become extreme.

Key points to know before you book

• The tour starts beside Devonport Ferry Terminal: Meet at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours, 1 Queens Parade, Devonport.
• Mt Victoria is the main prize: You ride to the summit for 360-degree views of Auckland, the gulf, and Rangitoto Island.
• Pauline leads the tour: Her local connection gives the ride a personal feel, with stories about Devonport and its buildings.
• Training is included: You get time to learn the Segway, plus a helmet, before setting off.
• Six people is the maximum: This is a much more hands-on format than a large city tour.
• Check the rules carefully: Riders must weigh between 35 and 120 kilograms, and the Mt Victoria tour has a minimum age of 13.

A volcanic summit with a surprisingly easy ride

Mt Victoria, also called Takarunga, is the highest volcanic cone on Auckland’s North Shore. You do not simply arrive at the summit by vehicle and take a quick photo. You work your way there on two wheels, gliding through Devonport and up the hill with the Segway doing most of the physical work.

That makes the experience useful if you want to see more than the ferry terminal and main village streets. You cover ground quickly, yet the pace remains slow enough for your guide to point out buildings, parks, military history, and views along the route.

The summit is the clear highlight. The tour description promises 360-degree views, and the route provides several moments where the scenery opens up before you reach the top. One especially distinctive stop is the mushroom patch, a group of unusual ventilation structures associated with the summit area. You also get views toward Rangitoto Island and across the water to Auckland.

The ride is not a substitute for a serious mountain walk. It is an easygoing sightseeing activity with a volcanic climb built in. You still need balance, confidence, and enough agility to control the Segway, but you are not expected to hike the whole route.

Meeting Pauline in historic Devonport

The tour begins at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours beside the Devonport Ferry Terminal at 1 Queens Parade. This is a practical meeting point if you are coming from central Auckland by ferry, and it also makes the tour easy to fit into a day based in Devonport.

Pauline is the guide and owner. She has lived in Devonport for decades and has operated Segway tours for many years. That matters here because Devonport is not just a collection of scenic streets. Its appeal comes from the stories attached to the homes, harbor, parks, and military sites.

Expect live commentary throughout the ride rather than a silent trip from point to point. Pauline’s style, based on the information available, is friendly and hands-on. She takes time with new riders, keeps an eye on safety, and adjusts her help to the group.

A small group makes a real difference. With six or fewer people, you can ask questions without shouting across a crowd. Pauline can also keep track of each rider’s comfort and ability. On one ride, she helped a less confident rider up a hill by holding the other Segway, a useful example of the practical support available.

Learning to ride before you leave Devonport

If you have never used a Segway, the training is not an afterthought. The tour includes full instruction and practice before the group heads into town. You learn how to move forward, slow down, stop, and steer using your body weight.

Many people find the controls easier than they first expect, but you should still treat the practice seriously. A Segway responds to small movements, and uneven ground feels different from a smooth training area. The route can include grass and bumpy surfaces, so you want to feel steady before climbing Mt Victoria.

The helmet is included, as is GST and the guide’s live commentary. You do not need to bring your own Segway equipment. Wear clothes suited to outdoor conditions, and choose shoes that give you a secure footing.

The minimum age for the Mt Victoria tour is 13. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Riders must weigh between 35 and 120 kilograms, or 75 and 265 pounds. The tour is not recommended during pregnancy or for anyone who cannot climb stairs without help.

Riding past villas, parks, and harbor scenery

Once you are comfortable, the route moves into Devonport. This is where the experience becomes more than a novelty ride. You pass through back streets and areas lined with Victorian homes, with stops that let Pauline explain the character and past of the village.

The pace allows you to look around. You are not rushing from one major attraction to the next, and the Segway lets you cover enough ground to see several parts of Devonport in a two-hour session.

The harbor setting adds variety. You may get open views, quiet residential streets, and green areas before the route begins its climb. The exact order can vary with conditions and the needs of the group, but the stated itinerary allows about 20 minutes for the initial meeting, training, and setup, followed by roughly 90 minutes around Mt Victoria and Devonport.

The route also has a local-history angle. Information from the tour includes references to historical and World War-related sights. If you want only a fast ride with no commentary, this may feel too talkative. If you like to understand what you are seeing, the storytelling is one of the tour’s best features.

Climbing Takarunga on two wheels

The ride to the top of Mt Victoria is the central challenge and the main reason to choose this tour over a flat Segway outing. You are not just circling Devonport. You are learning how the Segway handles an incline, with your guide close by.

The route feels more rewarding because the views build as you climb. Pauline describes the sensation of gliding uphill as one of her favorite parts of the ride, and the summit reveals why. Auckland’s skyline, the water, and the volcanic forms of the gulf come into view from a high point on the North Shore.

At the top, take time for photographs and orientation. The 360-degree outlook helps you understand Auckland’s setting better than a view from street level. Rangitoto is a particularly memorable feature, and the city looks across the water rather than directly beneath you.

One point to keep in mind is that a Segway is not magic. You still need to control it on slopes and uneven patches. The guide may provide extra help if someone needs it, but the tour is not designed for riders who lack basic agility or balance. You should be comfortable standing for the duration and making small body movements.

The mushroom patch and the details that make the route special

The summit area has more to offer than a standard lookout. The tour includes a stop at the unusual mushroom-shaped ventilation structures, an odd and memorable detail that gives the route some personality.

This is the kind of stop that works well on a guided ride. You might pass the structures on your own and simply wonder what they are. With Pauline explaining the site and pointing out nearby landmarks, the stop becomes part of the story of Mt Victoria rather than just another photo break.

The tour also benefits from small pauses. Several comments about the experience point to good photo opportunities along the route, not only at the summit. You can expect the guide to identify places of interest and give you time to take in the surroundings.

Since the tour is limited to six people, the ride should feel more flexible than a large excursion. A private booking is not guaranteed, but a very small group may give you a more personal experience. One person even ended up with what was effectively a private tour when no one else joined, with extra time added to the outing.

What the $89.98 price gives you

At $89.98 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Devonport. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: a roughly two-hour activity, Segway use, training, helmet, a local guide, and commentary in a group capped at six.

You are also paying for access to an experience that combines transport and interpretation. Instead of renting equipment and finding your own way around, you receive instruction and a planned route to a summit you might otherwise reach only on foot.

The value is strongest if you like active sightseeing and want local context. If your main goal is only the view from Mt Victoria, walking there costs less. If you dislike balancing on unfamiliar equipment, the price will not fix that problem.

For a first-time rider, the small group is important value. Pauline can slow down, repeat instructions, and give individual help. A larger group might cost less, but it would not offer the same level of attention. The high rating and 98 percent recommendation also suggest a strong record, though your enjoyment will still depend on weather, comfort, and your willingness to ride.

Weather, timing, and practical limits

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress for Auckland’s changeable outdoor conditions. Rain has not automatically ended every outing, but poor weather can reduce visibility, make surfaces slippery, and take away much of the pleasure of the summit.

If extreme weather makes riding unsafe, you are offered another date or a refund, less any administration fee. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made inside that window are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted.

The experience ends back at the same ferry-terminal meeting point. That makes it easier to plan your next activity, though you should leave a time cushion if you have a cruise departure or a fixed ferry connection. One outing ran late while the guide helped a rider return in time for a cruise, but you should not rely on extra time being available.

The booking information identifies the broader location as Waiheke Island, but the actual meeting point, route, and attraction are in Devonport on Auckland’s North Shore. Confirm this before paying, especially if you are staying or arriving on Waiheke Island. You need to get to Devonport independently, as transport to and from the start is not included.

Service animals are allowed. Most people can take part, but the weight range, minimum age, pregnancy advice, and agility requirements deserve attention before you book.

Who will enjoy this Devonport ride most

I would choose this tour if you want a playful way to see Devonport and do not mind learning a new skill. It suits first-time Segway riders because the training is built in, and it also works for people who have ridden before and want to cover more ground.

It is a good match for families with teenagers aged 13 or older, couples, solo visitors, and small groups of friends. The six-person limit keeps the ride personal without requiring you to pay for a private tour.

It may not suit you if you want a completely passive sightseeing trip, dislike outdoor weather, have balance or mobility limits, or cannot meet the weight requirement. Pregnant riders should also choose another activity.

The experience is best for people who value a guide’s stories as much as the ride. Pauline’s long connection with Devonport gives the route a local voice, and the historical commentary adds substance to what could otherwise be a simple equipment demonstration.

Should you book the Mt Victoria Segway tour?

Yes, if you want an active, compact introduction to Devonport with a memorable summit view. The combination of careful training, Pauline’s personal guiding, and a six-person limit gives the $89.98 price a fair case.

Book it when you can handle outdoor conditions and stand comfortably for about two hours. Check the meeting point carefully, allow time to reach Devonport, and keep your schedule flexible if rain is forecast.

Skip it if you only want a cheap lookout visit or if balancing on a Segway sounds stressful. For everyone else, this is a smart way to see the village, learn a little local history, and reach Mt Victoria without turning the climb into a hard walk.

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 finishes back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours. The stated route includes about 20 minutes at the Magic Broomstick meeting point and about 90 minutes around Mt Victoria.

What is included in the price?

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

Is transport to Devonport included?

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

What is the minimum age?

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

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum is six participants per tour booking.

What weight range is required?

All participants must weigh between 35 and 120 kilograms, or 75 and 265 pounds.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

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