North Shore Times - Woz cover

We made the cover of The North Shore Times, a local Auckland newspaper. That's Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak in the centre with me to the right - the photograph was taken on the top of Mt. Victoria in Devonport. The article quotes Woz as saying Devonport was, "the most beautiful place for a Segway tour."

Segwaying with Steve #Wozniak

Ian & Woz

A couple of months ago I went on a Segway tour, which I really enjoyed. I then learnt that Apple's co-founder, Steve Wozniak, was due in Auckland for a speaking event - unfortunately though the tickets are very expensive. I recalled that "Woz" is a very keen Segway rider; the Segway Polo world championship is called the Woz Challenge Cup after him, so I thought why not invite Woz to go Segwaying whilst he's in Auckland. I contacted the lady who runs Magic Broomstick Tours in Devonport, gave her Woz's agent's email address and suggested she invite him. She did, and he accepted! So yesterday we spent a couple of hours together on a tour of historic Devonport. The sun shone, the harbour sparkled, the views were spectacular and once again riding a Segway was great fun. Woz said that he "always feels good after a Segway ride," I have to say I agree.

In praise of... #Segways

Segway on North Head, Devonport

Today my lovely wife took me on a Segway tour, for my birthday, at Devonport in Auckland, NZ. I've always been interested in them since their launch, but have never had a ride on one before. We went with Magic Broomstick Tours and had just five minutes of instructions, from Pauline our tour guide. They're really intuitive to ride, and if you relax, you become quite confident very quickly. They're extremely maneuverable and can cope with grass as well as pavements and roads.
   After the training was complete it was off on a guided tour of historic Devonport, along the waterfront, up to the top of North Head, an extinct volcanic cone and old military fort, to admire the panoramic views. Then back down the volcano and through the historic village back to the ferry building.
   Neither of us wanted to give our Segways back when the tour was over and we'll be taking our next visitors to Auckland on this trip. A Segway is now firmly on my "want one" list - great birthday gift!