Auckland Devonport Segway Tour: Is It Worth It?

Planning a trip to Auckland and scouting around for fun things to do? A Segway tour over in Devonport might just show up on your radar. And, truthfully, it seems like a pretty awesome idea, cruising along the waterfront, soaking in the sights. But is it, perhaps, really as great as it sounds? Perhaps it suits your travel style and it ticks every box. This is a closer examination of my experiences on a Devonport Segway excursion. So, read on for what could be considered a personal account, with some hopefully helpful insights that help you decide whether to book that ticket!

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First Impressions of Devonport

Okay, before we get into the Segway bit, let’s talk a little bit regarding Devonport itself. Reaching it by ferry from Auckland Central, it’s super straightforward. Once you arrive, you soon realize that this suburb has almost this relaxed, laid-back feel to it. Think old-fashioned shops, cozy cafes, and homes with what seem to be big verandas. It really seems like stepping back in time a bit, particularly away from Auckland’s Central Business District.

Before hopping on a Segway, taking some time, you could find, to walk along the main street or perhaps sit by the harbor. Maybe you should consider trying some of the local ice cream. With all of that being said, Devonport appears to possess almost this charm that, honestly, kind of prepares you for an easygoing adventure.

Gearing Up for the Segway Adventure

Alright, now about that Segway bit! Once you arrive at the tour meeting spot, first impressions can be everything. Many of the tour companies seem very professional from the get-go. Now, safety seems to be clearly paramount. They seem to go through instructions, a run down on how the Segway works, and a little practice run in a safe, off-road place.

I must admit, standing on a Segway felt sort of odd, just at first. You are almost having to learn that leaning forward makes you move, and shifting your weight is what turns you. To explain more clearly, maybe, I felt a little wobbly to start. But the guides generally have this calm, reassuring presence and provide very clear tips. Before hitting the road, it wasn’t too long before the tour group got the hang of it.

The Waterfront Route and Sights

The tour I selected hugged the waterfront. So, there’s almost a fantastic view all of the time. Now, Auckland’s skyline across the water can seem quite magnificent, also you have views across the Waitemata harbor, and over to the islands dotted all around.

We trundled along past what appears to be picturesque parks. With the tour guide, the group also went through some of Devonport’s historical highlights. Now, apparently, there’s almost a lot of history in this suburb, more specifically relating to New Zealand’s naval past. The tour group stopped at several spots, providing great photo opportunities. But, keep in mind, it does not seem the easiest taking photographs on a Segway at slow speeds, so having a phone on a lanyard maybe helps.

What Makes the Tour Special?

Okay, it is perhaps more than just gliding along on two wheels; what really seems to create impact is getting to soak up the atmosphere of the place. Many tour guides show almost a passion for the Devonport area, more especially passing along local stories. Plus, seeing the area on a Segway allows for this different feeling, from walking, allowing covering more ground but without feeling so separated, too, like from being on a bus.

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I’ll add, to be perfectly honest, that part of the joy is purely in using the Segway. There is definitely something very pleasurable in moving so smoothly and effortlessly. As the tour continued, some tour group members played, feeling more confident, attempting turns at quicker speeds.

Things to Keep In Mind

Before you click “book,” now is the time to, in a way, have some clear points in mind. Now, the weather has this potential to make or break any Auckland outdoor pursuit, like your tour. It is useful checking the forecast before, and more importantly, packing based upon what the forecast says. The Segway tours continue if it is drizzling, and many companies provide rain jackets; now, perhaps, this does not match up to sun and blue skies, even if that’s desirable, and it is almost useful checking the small print as to whether they get canceled.

Now, Segways actually are mostly simple to operate. With all of that said, just be conscious of where the tour goes. In Devonport, a small amount of the route has slopes. For someone unsure about their balance, arguably that could well be daunting. And, to be frank, a very small number of tours get up to North Head. Now, I personally didn’t go up there; it did not seem feasible based upon the vehicle’s restrictions.

Is a Segway Tour Suited To You?

Honestly, I feel that these tours suit quite a broad range of individuals, whether your family member, an individual, a pair or maybe in a bigger group. It can definitely suit most ability levels. As previously mentioned, if mobility causes trouble, now is the time to check to make sure this is a suitable thing to consider, looking at aspects relating to balance and standing tolerance, mostly.

Also, and maybe most importantly, do you mind attracting glances of intrigue from other people? Because people often seem interested when a group on Segways sweeps past. With all of that said, I didn’t mind. To explain more clearly, if anything it enhanced my tour!

Value for Cost

Regarding any excursion, you must also factor the element of affordability in. Now, Segway tours often sit at a price where people may feel they’re spending out on something enjoyable. With all of that said, it did feel like reasonable cost for all that seemed like something really unique, which, in my humble opinion, helped seeing Devonport. By looking at competing businesses appears worthwhile to seek to try to look for promotional deals, so too it’s worth it.