Outdoor
Go Karting in Gisborne
Speed, skill, and excitement at Gisborne's karting centers.
For residents and visitors in the Tairāwhiti region, the options for go-karting are currently limited to private ownership and club events. Unlike the major tourist hubs of Rotorua or Queenstown, Gisborne does not have a commercial go-kart facility where you can walk in and rent a kart for a casual session. The motorsport culture here is strong, but it is focused on the spectator experience at the local speedway and grassroots club racing.
The primary hub for competitive karting is the Eastland Kart Club. This is a volunteer-run organization dedicated to the sport of kart racing for private owners. They facilitate racing for members in classes ranging from Cadets (kids) to Seniors. While they are a vital part of the local community, they do not operate a daily rental service for the general public. Access to the track usually requires a KartSport New Zealand license or participation in a specific club-organized event.
Motorsport Spectators: While you can't always drive, you can certainly watch. The MTF Gisborne Awapuni Speedway is the region's premier motorsport venue. Located on Awapuni Road, it hosts high-octane events featuring Stockcars, Saloons, and TQ Midgets throughout the summer season. It is a major night out for families in Gisborne, offering the noise and speed of racing, even if the public stays in the grandstands.
Nearest Commercial Tracks: For a bachelor party, birthday, or casual race day, Gisborne residents typically travel to the Bay of Plenty:
- Rotorua: Off Road NZ (Raceline Karting) or Drift Kartz (approx. 3.5 - 4 hours drive).
- Taupō: Taupo International Motorsport Park (approx. 4 hours drive).
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
1 kart track
Outdoor
Outdoor
Eastland Kart Club
Matawhero, Gisborne
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Go karting in Gisborne - FAQs
Common questions about karting in Gisborne.
There are no commercial rental go-karts in Gisborne. You cannot arrive and drive a kart for fun. The Eastland Kart Club exists for private kart owners, and Awapuni Speedway is for watching stock car racing.
The closest major commercial tracks are in Rotorua (Off Road NZ) or Taupō (Motorsport Park), both of which are approximately a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from Gisborne.
No, unless you are a licensed competitor with your own race car. Awapuni Speedway is a competition venue for classes like Superstocks and Saloons; it does not offer public ride days or rentals.