Queenstown Segway Tour

Our review takes a close look at the popular Queenstown Segway Tour, a fun, interactive way to get a glimpse of New Zealand’s renowned adventure capital. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest this experience offers a unique mix of sightseeing, activity, and education in one neat package.

What we love most? The small-group setting, ensuring personalized attention; the stunning lakeside scenery, with views of the Remarkables and Cecil Peak; and the user-friendly Segway, which even complete beginners find surprisingly easy to handle.

One thing to keep in mind is the weather dependency—heavy rain or cold days might impact your fun, so dressing appropriately is key. This tour suits travelers who want a light active experience that combines sightseeing with a bit of adventure, perfect for those who enjoy a hands-on approach to exploring a new city.

Key Points

• Small group size of just 8 people ensures a more personalized experience.
• Two options available: 1-hour or 2-hour tours, with the longer covering more sights.
• Guided tour includes safety instructions and interesting commentary about Queenstown.
• Accessible for most travelers, with a minimum age of 10 years.
• Great value for the price of around $60 NZD per person, especially considering the personalized attention and scenic stops.
• Weather considerations: Dress warmly, and be prepared for outdoor conditions.

Why the Queenstown Segway Tour Stands Out

Queenstown is famed for its adrenaline-fueled activities, but this Segway tour offers a different way to experience the scenery. The easy-to-ride Segway makes it approachable, even for first-timers, and the small group size means you won’t feel lost in a crowd. The tour covers about 10 kilometers over two hours, giving you a good mix of sightseeing and activity without becoming exhausting.

The price point of around $60.37 per person makes it an accessible adventure, especially when you consider the personal guidance and scenic highlights included. You’re paying for a balanced mix of fun, information, and stunning views—an excellent value compared to other Queenstown activities.

The Itinerary in Detail

Meeting Point and Initial Setup

The adventure begins at the One Mile Powerhouse, a short 1 km drive from Queenstown town center. Once you arrive, your guide will outfit you with a helmet, and you’ll get a brief safety and riding demonstration. Many reviews mention how clear and thorough the instructions are, making even complete novices feel confident on their Segways.

Therese_C praised the guide’s exceptional instructions, noting it was “lots of fun even for an oldy,” indicating that age isn’t a barrier here.

The 1-Hour Bay Tour

If you opt for the shorter option, you’ll cruise around Queenstown Bay on Lake Wakatipu. This route offers stunning views of the Remarkables, Cecil Peak, and Walter Peak. Your guide will lead you past key spots like Earnslaw Park, St Omer Park, Marine Parade, and the Queenstown Gardens.

Reviewers like Peter_A appreciated how this short tour still provided a great experience to see parts of Queenstown. They particularly enjoyed the botanical gardens, which offer a peaceful retreat with interesting plant displays and beautiful views.

The 2-Hour Queenstown Tour

For those wanting more, the longer route extends your adventure beyond the city center. You’ll explore lakeside areas further from town, with the opportunity to see more scenic spots and enjoy a bit of a hill climb, which many find a fun challenge.

Sandra_H noted that Kevin, the guide, had a “well-planned route” covering a variety of terrains and locations, including the botanical gardens and shoreline. This additional hour allows you to cruise further along the lakeshore, absorbing more of Queenstown’s natural beauty.

Highlights Along the Way

Your guide will stop at key points such as Queenstown Gardens, where you can stretch your legs and take in the excellent views. Reviewer RONG_C called it a “truly delightful experience,” highlighting how the guide let them enjoy the various speeds and terrains while sharing interesting tidbits about the area.

For the 2-hour tour, expect to venture out of the town, gaining a broader perspective on Queenstown’s lush surroundings, which many reviewers say enhances the overall experience.

What Makes This Tour Special

Personal Guidance and Safety Focus

Multiple reviews mention how guides like Kevin excel at safety and instructions, making beginners feel at ease. Martin_C pointed out that Kevin was a “great teacher,” ensuring everyone felt confident handling the Segway before heading out. This focus on safety is crucial, especially for first-time Segway riders.

Scenic and Cultural Insights

Your guide shares fun facts and local stories during the ride, enriching the experience beyond just riding. Jeffrey_S appreciated how Kevin “informed us of its interesting history and colorful characters,” transforming a simple sightseeing trip into an educational outing.

Small Group Dynamics

Limited to just eight people, the tour allows for more personal interaction. That means plenty of opportunities to ask questions, get tailored tips, and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. Reviewers like Sarah_K loved how the route was designed to be not rushed, providing enough time to enjoy each stop.

Ease of Ride and Accessibility

Despite initial nervousness from some reviewers, most found the Segway surprisingly easy to pick up. Benjamin_W said he felt “really confident at the end of the two hours,” which highlights how good the instruction is. The minimum age of 10+ ensures that families can join in safely, with jackets and gloves provided on cooler days.

Value and Practical Tips

At roughly $60 NZD ($60.37 USD), this tour offers fantastic value considering the personalized guidance, scenic stops, and the novelty of riding a Segway. Compared to other Queenstown activities, which can be pricey and often rushed, this experience offers a relaxed yet active way to see a broad stretch of the area.

Keep in mind that weather can impact the tour—so dress warmly if it’s cool, and check the forecast. The tour operates in most weather conditions, but in heavy rain or continuous cold, it might be canceled or rescheduled, with full refunds available if canceled due to weather.

Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, and the activity requires a minimum of two travelers to confirm a booking.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors eager to see Queenstown without walking miles or for those looking for a fun, active way to explore the scenery. Families with older children (minimum age 10) will find it manageable and enjoyable. The small-group format ensures a personalized touch, making it suitable for travelers who appreciate a more intimate experience.

Adventure seekers will enjoy the mix of scenic sightseeing and the slight challenge of riding a Segway on varied terrains. It’s also a good option for those who might be less interested in adrenaline activities but still want to engage actively with the landscape.

The Sum Up

The Queenstown Segway Tour strikes a lovely balance between sightseeing, activity, and education. Its small-group size, friendly guides, and focus on safety create an accessible environment for all skill levels. The stunning lakeside views and stops at notable spots like Queenstown Gardens make it a memorable way to spend a couple of hours in New Zealand’s adventure capital.

Value-wise, it offers an affordable yet personalized experience that stands out from many typical sightseeing options. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, this tour provides a relaxed, fun, and scenic introduction to Queenstown.

If you’re seeking a lively, active way to experience the area without the commitment of longer or more strenuous adventures, this Segway tour is definitely worth considering. It’s a smart choice for those who want a taste of Queenstown’s beauty paired with a little bit of fun and learning.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed to be accessible for first-timers, with clear instructions and a safety demonstration. Most people find it easy to learn and ride after a brief practice.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly on cool days, as the tour is outdoors. Jackets and gloves are provided, but bringing an extra layer is wise, especially in winter or chilly weather.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, with an option for a shorter 1-hour experience focusing mainly on Queenstown Bay.

What is included in the price?
The price covers a professional guide and the use of a Segway. Food, drinks, and hotel transportation are not included.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour operates in most weather conditions but can be canceled due to heavy rain or continuous cold. Full refunds are available if canceled by the provider.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 8 travelers, providing a more personalized experience and plenty of interaction with your guide.

What ages are allowed?
The minimum recommended age is 10 years old. The guide will ensure everyone is comfortable riding.

This Queenstown Segway Tour is an engaging way to see the sights with ease, making it a fantastic addition to any travel itinerary for those seeking a unique, fun, and scenic experience.