Outdoor
Go Karting in Otago
Feel the adrenaline rush at Otago's top karting venues.
In Otago, go-karting is centered almost entirely around the adventure tourism hubs of Queenstown and Cromwell. Here, you can find one of New Zealand's most spectacular outdoor tracks and a high-tech indoor facility. For visitors to Wanaka, the experience shifts to gravity-fueled mountain trikes. Meanwhile, Dunedin residents typically travel inland for their racing fix, as the coastal city currently lacks a dedicated petrol rental track.
The crown jewel of the region is Highlands Go Karts in Cromwell. Part of the massive Highlands Motorsport Park complex, this 650m outdoor track is widely considered one of the best rental circuits in the country. It runs German-built Rimo gas karts capable of 50km/h on a track that features 672 cubic meters of concrete edging and plenty of overtaking opportunities. It’s a "must-do" for petrolheads passing through Central Otago.
In Queenstown (Frankton), Game Over Queenstown offers a premium indoor experience. Located near the airport, it features a technical track with a bridge and tunnel, running high-torque electric karts. These karts offer instant acceleration and are perfect for wet days or evening racing, with separate speeds for juniors and adults.
For something completely different, Cardrona Alpine Resort (near Wanaka) offers Mountain Carting during the summer months (December–April). These are gravity-powered three-wheeled trikes with no engines. You take the ski lift up and race down the mountain trails using only brakes and gravity to control your speed. It is a thrilling, unique alternative to traditional motorsport.
The Dunedin Gap: Currently, Dunedin does not have a commercial "Arrive & Drive" go-kart track.
- Clarification: You may see listings for "Dunedin Bike Hire" offering pedal/electric trikes at Marlow Park, but these are for leisure, not racing.
- Club Racing: KartSport Dunedin operates a track at Silverstream, but this is a private competition club for kart owners and does not offer daily public rentals.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
3 kart tracks
Outdoor
Indoor
Outdoor
Outdoor
Highlands Go Karts
Cromwell, Otago
Indoor
Game Over Queenstown
Queenstown, Otago
Outdoor
KartSport Dunedin
Dunedin City, Otago
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Go karting in Otago - FAQs
Common questions about karting in Otago.
No. There is no permanent commercial go-kart rental track in Dunedin. Residents often travel to Highlands in Cromwell (approx. 2.5 hours) or Invercargill for racing. KartSport Dunedin is a private club.
Yes, Highlands operates year-round, although the track may close during extreme weather or ice. It is an outdoor track, so dress warmly in winter.
No. Crossfire Wanaka offers claybird shooting, archery, and a driving range, but they do not have a go-kart track. For karting near Wanaka, Highlands (Cromwell) or Cardrona (Mountain Carts) are the best options.