Outdoor
Go Karting in Bay of Plenty
Indoor and outdoor karting excitement in Bay of Plenty.
With the recent closure of the main track in Mount Maunganui, the Bay of Plenty’s karting scene is now concentrated entirely in Rotorua. This region has become a specialized destination for adrenaline junkies, offering two distinct experiences: professional-grade outdoor racing in the native forest and technical indoor drifting on slippery surfaces.
The undisputed king of the region—and arguably the country—is Off Road NZ (Raceline Karting) in Rotorua. Located in the Mamaku forest, this facility runs a fleet of Sodi 390cc 4-stroke karts imported from France. Unlike standard fun-karts, these machines are capable of speeds close to 100 km/h (62 mph) on the track's massive 150-meter straight. The 1.2km circuit is CIK-rated and 8 meters wide, offering a true motorsport experience that separates the drivers from the tourists.
For a completely different challenge, Drift Kartz (also in Rotorua) focuses on car control rather than grip. This indoor facility features a track with a specialized slippery coating and karts fitted with hard tires. The goal here isn't to hold the racing line; it's to control the slide. Adhering to the motto "The only way is slideway," it offers a fun, skill-based alternative to traditional racing, perfect for rainy days.
The Tauranga Situation: Following the permanent closure of Bay Karts in July 2024, there are currently no commercial go-kart tracks operating in Tauranga or Mount Maunganui.
- Alternative: BayStation (at Baypark) offers Drift Trikes (electric three-wheelers), but these are a distinct activity from traditional four-wheel go-karting.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
3 kart tracks
Outdoor
Outdoor
Indoor
Outdoor
Raceline Karting
Mamaku, Bay of Plenty
Outdoor
Kartsport Bay of Plenty
Te Puke, Bay of Plenty
Indoor
DriftKartz
Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
The museum - permanently closed circuits
Go karting in Bay of Plenty - FAQs
Common questions about karting in the Bay of Plenty.
No. Bay Karts in Mount Maunganui closed permanently in July 2024. The site has been vacated due to lease and cost issues.
At Off Road NZ (Raceline Karting), the Sodi 390cc karts can reach speeds of approximately 100 km/h (62 mph) on the main straight, making them the fastest rental karts in the country.
Currently, there are no traditional 4-wheel go-kart tracks in Tauranga. The closest option is Off Road NZ in Rotorua (approx. 1 hour drive). BayStation in Mount Maunganui offers Drift Trikes, but not go-karts.