The 4 Best Go Kart Tracks in Rotorua (That Aren’t Overhyped)
My friends still tease me about “The Great Spinout of 2019.” I boasted about my supposed karting prowess despite having not driven a kart since high school only to end up on some friends’ video highlight (read: wipeout) reels.
Since then, though, I’ve had much more practice on the go-kart tracks around Rotorua in a bid to improve my abilities. As it happens, that’s led to me trying just about every one of the tracks in the area!
So, I thought I’d share the best go-kart tracks in Rotorua based on my experience today… in case someone else out there is planning to level up his skills here before showing off.
1. Kartsport Rotorua
Website: Kartsport Rotorua
Directions: Google Maps
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Prices:
- 60 NZD – Annual Membership
- 25 NZD per driver
Kartsport Rotorua is the place to be if you’re after a classic go-karting experience. They have arrive-and-drive sessions, mini-grand prix events, and group packages.
Their fleet includes both adult and junior karts, so it’s basically fun for the whole family. And the 1.2-kilometre outdoor track is packed with twists, turns, and straightaways to challenge even the most experienced drivers.
Pro Tip: Knowing where the turns and straightaways are will help you keep your speed up. And practice smooth driving and braking to maintain your momentum.
2. DriftKartz
Website: DriftKartz
Address: 10 Old Taupo Road, Mangakakahi, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand
Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 6PM
Phone: +64 7 345 6211
Their specially designed karts, with plastic drift rings on the rear wheels, let you slide through corners like a pro. The track is built for drifting, with wide-open spaces that invite you to show off your skills.
Pro Tip: Initiate your drifts early and aim for a smooth, controlled slide on these tracks. Adjust your drift angle using the throttle and steering.
3. Off Road NZ
Website: Off Road NZ
Address: 193 Amoore Road, RD2, Rotorua 3072, New Zealand
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Phone: +64 7 332 5748
If you’re after something more rugged, Off-Road New Zealand is your place. Their outdoor track includes dirt, gravel, and tarmac surfaces, making for an exhilarating off-road experience.
The Sodi RT8 karts are built for this kind of terrain, so get ready for a bumpy but thrilling ride.
Pro Tip: Use your brakes sparingly and focus on keeping your momentum up. Expect the unexpected, with slides and bumps, because this is a seriously rugged track.
4. Skyline Luge
Website: Skyline Luge
Address: 178 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 9 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Phone: +64 7 347 0027
Okay, so it’s not technically go-karting, but the Skyline Luge offers a similar thrill. You hop into a gravity-fueled cart and race down a beautiful hillside track. With simple controls for braking and steering, it’s easy for anyone to pick it up.
Pro Tip: Choose a track that matches your skill level to be safe. Don’t forget to enjoy the stunning views as you race downhill!