best-go-karts-rotorua

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.

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.

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.

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.