Mt Victoria is the kind of Auckland view you feel in your chest. This small-group Segway tour gets you there fast, with an easy learning curve first and then a glide up the volcanic cone for 360° panoramas. I like that it’s built for personal attention in a group capped at six, and I also like the clear focus on seeing Devonport (not just getting from A to B).

The one thing to factor in: you’ll be riding on a mix of paths, and the tour is not for everyone—minimum age is 13 for the Mt Victoria tour, and it’s not recommended if you’re not agile enough to climb stairs unaided or if you’re pregnant.

Key points before you book

• Small group size (max 6) means you get real coaching, not a quick lecture.
• Full Segway training plus a helmet makes a first-timer start feel manageable.
• Devonport stories from a long-time local guide add meaning to the scenery.
• Summit payoff is big: the view is 360°, with Rangitoto Island showing on the horizon.
• Unique stop moment: you’ll find the famous mushroom patch at the top area.
• Good weather matters even though they operate in all weather conditions, with safety-based changes if conditions are unsafe.

Devonport to Mt Victoria: the view deal you can’t match on foot

If you only have a short window on Auckland’s North Shore, this is a smart way to spend it. Devonport sits across the water from the city, and Mt Victoria is the volcanic cone above it—so the payoff comes from altitude without the hours of slog.

On a Segway, you can cover the back streets, parks, and historic villas while staying fresh for the summit. And when you reach the top, you’re not just looking out—you’re taking in a proper Auckland arc, from city edges to the gulf.

Where you start at the ferry terminal (and why that helps)

You meet at Magic Broomstick Segway Tours, right at Devonport Ferry Terminal 1 on Queens Parade. The location is handy because Devonport is a straightforward ferry hop from downtown Auckland, and the tour ends back at the same point.

Price and time work best when you’re already planning to be in Devonport anyway. If you’re trying to squeeze this in on the other side of Auckland, you’ll need to plan transportation carefully since transfers to and from the start are not included.

Training and safety: learning fast without rushing you

This tour is built around a full Segway training session plus a helmet. You also get live commentary from your local guide, and that matters because good instruction helps you glide smoothly instead of white-knuckling every corner.

Expect a patient, practical approach. From consistent guest feedback, the guide (Pauline, owner and long-time operator) is known for clear instructions and extra time to get comfortable, even for first-timers. There’s also a real-world safety focus on uneven ground—useful here because you won’t be riding only on perfect showroom pavement.

Practical checks before you book:

• You must weigh between 35kg and 120kg.
• Minimum age for the Mt Victoria tour is 13, and children must ride with an adult.
• Service animals are allowed.
• It’s not recommended for pregnant women and not ideal if you struggle with stairs.

Getting ready: what to wear and how to not ruin your photos

They run in all weather conditions, but you should still dress for the reality of riding outdoors. That means rain gear if the forecast is messy and shoes with grip, because you’ll be moving over paths that can be a little uneven.

If you hate damp hair getting in your face, plan on using a cap or hood and keep your phone secure. The route includes plenty of stops for photos—especially around the summit—so you’ll want both comfort and the ability to move quickly in changing weather.

Stop 1 in Devonport: Victorian villas, harbor scenes, and history with context

Before the climb, you get to glide through Devonport’s historic seaside village area. This part is where the tour earns its charm: you’re not stuck staring at your handlebars. Your guide points out what’s worth noticing and shares history as you roll through streets and parks.

I like this structure because it gives you two wins at once:

1) You’re still in “learning mode,” so your brain is busy in a good way.

2) You’re already building anticipation for the view once you start heading uphill.

This is also where you’ll naturally get picture moments—quiet streets, classic architecture, and views that foreshadow what’s coming. The route is paced for small-group riding, so you’re not sprinting between stops or waiting forever for the slowest rider.

Possible drawback here: because the group is small, the pace is still affected by the slowest learner. If you’re the type who gets annoyed by gradual starts, it may feel a little slower than a self-guided scooter ride—but in exchange you get safer, smoother control.

Stop 2: Mt Victoria summit, 360° views, and the mushroom patch

Now for the main event: the Segway climb to Mt Victoria’s summit, the highest volcanic cone on Auckland’s North Shore. As you head up, your guide points out places of interest and shares the local story behind the area.

The summit is where the time turns into a memory. You get 360-degree views, which means you can look around at city and water without changing your location. A highlight for many riders is the way Rangitoto Island shows up in the broader view when you turn your head at the right angle.

Then there’s the odd little detail that makes the top more than just a viewpoint: the mushroom patch, tied to air-vent features in the area. It’s the kind of stop that breaks up a standard lookout routine and gives you something specific to look for.

One more note: even though you’re on a Segway, this is still a “summit area” experience. You should be comfortable with some walking and the general reality of outdoor terrain around viewpoints.

The $89.98 question: value comes from time, coaching, and what you get instead of transportation headaches

At $89.98 per person for about 2 hours, the big value isn’t the Segway itself—it’s what the guide does with your time.

You get:

• a local guide and live commentary
• helmet use
• GST included
• full training so you don’t need prior experience
• a group size small enough that instruction sticks

For many visitors, the alternative is either a long hike (more time, more effort, less guided context) or a bus/cab approach (less flexibility for photo stops, less explanation, and you still end up doing some walking). This tour tries to blend the best parts: guided storytelling plus fast movement plus the summit payoff.

One cost to keep in mind: transportation to and from the start location isn’t included. So your total value depends on how easily you can get to Devonport Ferry Terminal 1.

Weather reality: riding outside, with safety-based choices

They operate in all weather conditions, which is great—New Zealand weather can’t always be trusted. Still, if conditions become unsafe for Segway riding, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a refund (there may be an administration fee).

Translation for your planning: don’t schedule this like it’s a must-hit train platform. If you’re flexible, you’re more likely to enjoy the full route without stress.

Who should book this Mt Victoria Segway tour (and who should skip)

This is a strong fit if you want:

• a first-time-friendly Segway experience with patient coaching
• a guided way to see Devonport beyond the main strip
• real summit views in about two hours
• small-group attention (max 6)

It’s a weaker fit if:

• you’re under 13 for the Mt Victoria tour
• you’re pregnant
• you’re not comfortable handling some uneven terrain and stairs unaided
• you weigh outside the 35kg–120kg range

If you’re traveling with older teens or adults who can handle a short outdoor workout, this also plays well as a “treat activity” during a short Auckland stay.

Should you book this Segway to Mt Victoria?

Yes, if your goal is a fast, guided way to earn big views from Mt Victoria while also learning why Devonport looks the way it does. The best reason to book is the combo of small group size, thoughtful training, and the summit’s 360° payoff—plus that mushroom patch moment that gives the top area a little personality.

Hold off only if weather chaos is likely and you can’t reschedule, or if your body situation makes stairs and outdoor terrain tough. Otherwise, this is one of the more efficient “wow” experiences in Auckland’s North Shore.

FAQ

How long is the Mt Victoria Segway tour?

It runs for about 2 hours, with around 20 minutes at the start area and about 1.5 hours on the Mount Victoria portion.

Where do I meet the tour?

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, helmet use, GST, and live commentary.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?

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

What is the minimum age for the Mt Victoria tour?

Minimum age is 13 for the Mt. Victoria Magic and Historic North Head Tours. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Do I need prior Segway experience?

No prior experience is required, because the tour includes full Segway training.

What are the weight limits?

All participants must weigh between 35kg and 120kg (75 lbs to 265 lbs).

What if the weather is bad?

It operates in all weather conditions, but if it’s canceled due to extreme weather that makes it unsafe to ride, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a refund.