November 2026 marks 20 years since Segway tours first began in Queenstown. As the founder, owner and operator of Segway on Q, I’m incredibly proud to reach this milestone.
Over the past two decades I’ve personally guided enough kilometres to circle the Earth. Even my longest-serving Segway has almost achieved the same feat, clocking up over 33,000 kilometres.
How it all started
While doing a “Start Your Own Business” course in 2006, I serendipitously found myself sitting next to Philip Bendall of Segway NZ at a mutual friend’s 30th birthday dinner. Already planning to move back to Queenstown, I immediately saw the potential for a Segway tour business in the adventure capital of New Zealand. Sometimes the biggest moments in life come from the most unexpected conversations.
The early days
Starting with just 4 first-generation Segways, purchased with the help of a bank loan and gift from Mum, I launched the business. The response from customers was fantastic, although visitor numbers were modest in those early days. Like many small business owners, I quickly realised there was a lot to learn about marketing—and, twenty years later, I’m still learning.
Over the following years the business grew steadily before experiencing its first major setback after the Christchurch earthquake. Later came COVID-19, which had an even greater impact. After spending ten years employing staff, I found myself operating the business solo once again while taking on additional work to help get through those challenging times.
How things have changed
When Segway tour first rolled out in Queenstown in 2006, Facebook had only just opened to the public, smartphones weren’t around, Instagram didn’t exist, and e-bikes were virtually unheard of.
Twenty years later, the tourism industry has changed a lot. The way people book, travel and share their experiences has evolved significantly over the years.
Queenstown itself has changed a fair amount too over the past 20 years. One thing I wish I’d done is record the original tour circuit, as the paths, businesses and even hotels along the route have changed so much over the years. Of course, that growth has also brought busier roads and more traffic. Ironically, there are times when our Segways quietly cruise past lines of stationary vehicles—even while travelling at their training speed! It’s a fun reminder that, despite all the changes, one of the best ways to experience Queenstown is still to leave the car behind, slow down, and explore on two wheels.
One thing, however, hasn’t changed—the smiles on guests’ faces when they master riding a Segway for the first time or come back for another round of fun.
Favourite memories
There have been so many memorable moments over the years.
There was the marriage proposal during a tour, and a couple who returned 15 years later with children old enough to ride—children who hadn’t even been born when they first visited.
One of my favourite recurring moments, though, is seeing nervous riders overcome their fears. I get a number of guests who are convinced after the first minute that they’ll never be able to ride a Segway and are ready to give up. Time and time again, those same people go on to absolutely love the experience.
Watching someone transform from anxious, to comfortable, to genuinely enjoying themselves never gets old. It’s one of the big reasons I’m still passionate about what I do after 20 years.
Thank you!
A milestone like this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of so many people.
Thank you to;
- Mum, for believing in me with the original gift that helped get the business started.
- Philip Bendall of Segway NZ, for all your support over the past two decades.
- My partner Grace, along with my family and friends, who have all helped in many ways.
- Various suppliers we’ve worked with and our booking partners for sending visitors our way.
- The New Zealand Government for its COVID support, and the Queenstown Lakes District Council for allowing us to operate.
- Most importantly, our wonderful customers. Thank you for choosing Segway on Q, sharing your experiences through fantastic reviews, and recommending us to your family and friends.
Looking ahead
The discontinuation of Segways means the long-term future presents some challenges. However, recent investments in the fleet mean I expect to keep rolling for many years yet.
As long as people continue to enjoy the experience as much as they have over the past two decades—and I continue to enjoy sharing Queenstown with visitors from around the world—I look forward to welcoming the next group.
