About this tour
When Em from our team took out an electric scooter in Akaroa, we found a genuinely flexible way to explore this coastal gem on the North Island's east side. You get a scooter, a map, a picnic set, and basically the freedom to cruise at your own pace for 3 to 7.5 hours — hitting hidden beaches, vineyards, and quiet spots without a guide breathing down your neck. It's the kind of tour that suits people who'd rather make their own discoveries, and the landscape here is proper stunning: cliffs, farmland, and that blue-green harbour.
Highlights
- Self-paced exploration means you skip the group-tour rush entirely
- East coast drive hits hidden beaches and vineyard stops
- Picnic set included — sit where you want with your own blanket
- Scooter support available if you get stuck or need pickup
- Eco-friendly ride beats a rental car for short coastal jaunts
- Guidebook keeps you on track without constant direction
- Accidental damage insurance covers bigger mishaps
What to expect
Em picked up the scooter after a brief training session, then basically had the day to herself. The route map is clear enough that you won't get lost, but loose enough to stop whenever something catches your eye — a lookout, a beach cove, a winery. The scooter handles the local roads without drama, and the pace lets you actually take in the landscape instead of whizzing past it. You're moving slowly enough to notice the farmland, native bush, and water views; fast enough that 7.5 hours gives you serious ground to cover if you want it.
What surprised us: the route is genuinely scenic without being overdone with tourist infrastructure. You'll see other visitors, but not herds of them. The picnic setup works well if you've brought food — Em packed her own and found peaceful spots to eat. Fair warning though: lunch isn't included, so either bring supplies or fork out extra at the time of booking.
What travellers say
- Total freedom to stop, explore, and set your own rhythm
- Picnic kit included — eat where the views are best
- Backup support included; not abandoned if things go pear-shaped
- Eco-friendly alternative to a petrol car hire
- Suitable for most fitness levels and experience riders
- Lunch not included; bring your own or pay extra upfront
- $500 insurance excess per scooter makes accidents pricey
- Weight limit and licence requirement narrows the field
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
If you hate being herded through a tour, this is your move. You get proper freedom, honest support if things go wrong, and insurance that covers accidents over $500. The scooter itself is light to handle, and the terrain is mixed but manageable. It suits any fitness level, since you're riding, not hiking.
You need a valid car or international driving licence. There's a weight limit (max 100kg/16 stone), so check that first. The $500 insurance excess stings if you have a prang. Lunch isn't included — you must bring your own food and drink, or pay extra. The scooter's battery range means you're not going massive distances, and bad weather could make the ride less enjoyable. Early mornings and school holidays are busier.
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a light jacket. Wear proper shoes. The route is 3–7.5 hours depending on your pace. Groups are just you (or your group) and a scooter. Best weather is October to April.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original Global Hobo summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.