Outdoor
Go Karting in Hawke’s Bay
Get behind the wheel for unmatched racing in Hawke’s Bay.
If you are looking for a standard "amusement park" go-kart track in Napier or Hastings, you might be surprised to find that there are currently no commercial rental facilities operating in the region. However, for those who take racing seriously, the KartSport Hawke's Bay club offers a specialized "Arrive & Drive" program designed to introduce new drivers to the sport of professional karting.
The primary destination for motorsport in the region is the KartSport Hawke's Bay track at Roys Hill (Hastings). Unlike fun centers where you can walk in for a 10-minute spin, this is a member-run competition club. They offer a monthly "Have a Go" / Arrive & Drive package. This is not a cheap thrill; it is a comprehensive introduction to the sport, including coaching, safety gear, and seat time in a proper 2-stroke or 4-stroke racing kart. It is intended for people genuinely interested in joining the club, rather than for birthday parties or casual outings.
The Local Alternative: Blokarts While petrol karting is limited, Hawke's Bay is one of the world's premier destinations for Blokarting (Land Yachts). Blokart Hawke's Bay in Napier utilizes the region's consistent sea breezes to race wind-powered karts. It provides a similar thrill of speed and racing lines, but powered entirely by nature.
Nearest Commercial Tracks: For a traditional gas or electric rental experience (where you can just turn up and race friends), residents typically travel to:
- Palmerston North: Indoor Go Karts (approx. 2 hours south).
- Rotorua: Off Road NZ or Drift Kartz (approx. 2.5 hours north).
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
1 kart track
Outdoor
Outdoor
KartSport Hawke's Bay
Fernhill, Hawke’s Bay
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Go karting in Hawke’s Bay - FAQs
Common questions about karting in Hawke's Bay.
No. There are currently no indoor or outdoor commercial petrol go-kart tracks in Napier or Hastings. The nearest commercial rental tracks are in Palmerston North or Rotorua.
Not in the traditional sense. KartSport Hawke's Bay at Roys Hill does not offer daily "Arrive & Drive" rentals for the general public. You must book a specific "Have a Go" package on scheduled days, which is designed as a recruitment tool for the sport.
Previous commercial operations (such as pop-up tracks or older facilities) have closed. The market is now served primarily by the KartSport club for serious racers and Blokarts for recreational wind-sport.