Magic Broomstick Segway Tours, Devonport

Until a couple of weeks ago the only way I knew how to experience a Segway was by watching a Youtube clip of a monkey riding a Segway and the knowledge that George Bush had manage to chuck himself off of one but then I got the opportunity to try one out for myself with Magic Broomstick Tours and I have to say after only 2 hours, I am hooked.  Prior to the actual tour I had a quick look over where the tour would take us - around Devonport (a quaint, picturesque area of Auckland City), to beaches and up to North Head and Mt Victoria.  All of this on an electronic machine.  I was going with my partner who is well-known for his clumsiness and being uncoordinated so to be honest an afternoon of mockery was what appealed initially.

Magic Broomstick Tours have been frequenting Devonport by Segway for about two years after the owners experienced Segways in Paris.  If Paris considers them cool then New Zealand just had to jump on board and Devonport really is the optimum place for the Segway experience.

"maybe I was going to look like a right prat for the afternoon"

After an easy trip over on the ferry to Devonport we spotted the Segways at the ferry wharf and I started to think that maybe I was going to look like a right prat for the afternoon.  Naturally the moment I stepped onto the Segway a crowd of people appeared from nowhere to share the experience with me.  For anybody out there who thinks that you won't be able to experience a Segway, now you can.  This cool electronic machine will do all the work for you all you have to do is lean a little forward to move a bit faster and lean back to slow down.  It really is so simple that the uncoordinated boyfriend got it straight away.  For the life of me I cannot understand how George Bush managed to end up on the floor, or maybe I can.  After our 15 minute free training session we set off for two hours on our Segways. 

Devonport in itself is a great place to explore, the beaches will leave you wishing you'd worn your bikini, and the Devonport houses are an attraction in themselves.  At about one million pounds a pop you can admire them and then think up your lotto numbers.  Both North Head and Mt Victoria offer you the chance to explore World War II bunkers and panoramic views of Auckland City and the Islands in the Hauraki Gulf.  Don't forget to say hello to those struggling up Mt Victoria as you elegantly glide up on your Segway, just try to keep your smugness to yourself.

"You kind of feel a little bit like a celebrity..."

What surprised us most about the Segway experience was not only that it was really simple but that you didn't feel at all self-conscious.  Everyone we passed smiled and said hello and I lost count of the times I heard, "that would be cool to do", or " I fancy a go at that".  You kind of feel a little bit like a celebrity, its no wonder Justin Timberlake was pictured riding one prior to the release of his solo album.

It is very clear that Magic Broomstick Tours have a brilliant relationship and presence in the area of Devonport, also helped by being part of Flea FM radio, and this was clearly reflected with our Segway experience.  Pauline, our Magic Broomstick tour guide gave us all the information on the area we wished to know, from history to culture to modern events and wildlife. 

After two hours of fresh air and doing something completely random by riding a 'magic broomstick' we both had that 'Segway Smile' and felt just as pumped as I had after doing white rafting water.  Uncoordinated boyfriend was so taken by the whole experience he is currently saving up for his very own Segway.  I can honestly say that if I could sightsee everywhere by Segway I would and I wouldn't experience Devonport any other way than a Segway Experience with Magic Broomstick Tours.   

Cheska Bennett