Outdoor
Karting category
24 active venues
1 museum listing
Outdoor Karting in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Outdoor Karting is an adventure sport rather than just a pastime. Unlike the tight, technical indoor tracks found in the cities, the country's premier outdoor circuits are often located in stunning natural settings—from the native bush of Rotorua to the mountains of Cromwell. The standout feature of the Kiwi outdoor scene is speed: New Zealand is home to some of the fastest public rental karts in the world, with unrestricted 390cc machines capable of reaching speeds near 100 km/h on massive 1.2km circuits.
The New Zealand outdoor market is defined by "Destination Tracks" and Motorsport Park integration.
The 100km/h Experience (Rotorua): Raceline Karting in Rotorua is the undisputed king of NZ rental karting. Located at the Off Road NZ complex in the Mamaku Forest, this CIK-grade track is 1.2km long and runs a fleet of French-built Sodi GT3 karts with 390cc engines. Unlike standard rentals governed to 50km/h, these karts are geared to hit nearly 100 km/h on the 150-meter main straight, offering a level of adrenaline usually reserved for race car drivers.
Motorsport Park Tracks: A unique feature of NZ karting is that many rental tracks are situated inside professional car racing complexes.
- Hampton Downs (Waikato): This track allows you to race 270cc karts on a 530m outdoor circuit while V8 Supercars or drift cars practice on the main international track just meters away.
- Highlands (Cromwell): Located near Queenstown, this track winds through a pine forest and is part of the Highlands Motorsport Park. It uses German Rimo karts (50km/h) and is famous for its "Le Mans" style start and museum surroundings.
24 kart tracks
Ordered by venue ranking
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OutdoorACE Motorsport Colin Dale
Penrose, Auckland
OutdoorE-Volt Racing Matakana
Matakana, Auckland
OutdoorEastland Kart Club
Matawhero, Gisborne
OutdoorHampton Downs Go Karts
Whangamarino, Waikato
OutdoorHighlands Go Karts
Cromwell, Otago
OutdoorKartSport Auckland–Mt Wellington
Wiri, Auckland
OutdoorKartsport Bay of Plenty
Te Puke, Bay of Plenty
OutdoorKartsport Canterbury
Christchurch, Canterbury
OutdoorKartSport Dunedin
Dunedin City, Otago
OutdoorKartSport Hamilton
Ōhaupō, Waikato
OutdoorKartSport Hawke's Bay
Fernhill, Hawke’s Bay
OutdoorKartSport Manawatu
Palmerston North, Manawatū-Whanganui
Map locations are approximate.
Outdoor Karting — FAQs
It depends on the track. Standard outdoor karts (like at Highlands or Taupo) are governed to approx 50 km/h (30 mph) for safety. However, Raceline Karting in Rotorua runs unrestricted 390cc karts that can reach speeds close to 100 km/h (62 mph) on the main straight.
Generally, no. New Zealand weather is unpredictable, so most outdoor tracks operate rain or shine. Venues like Raceline and Hampton Downs provide full wet-weather suits and over-pants. Racing stops only for lightning, snow, or extreme standing water.
No. You do not need a road license to race. However, for the high-speed karts at Rotorua, there is a strict minimum age of 14 years and a height requirement of 1.4 meters. For tandem karts (carrying a passenger), the driver often needs to be 16+ or hold a license.
Covered shoes are mandatory at all tracks—no jandals (flip-flops) allowed! It is also recommended to wear comfortable clothing. If it is raining, bring a change of socks just in case.
Yes. Most rental karts have a maximum weight limit for safety and performance, typically around 110kg - 120kg. If you are close to this limit, it is best to check with the venue beforehand.