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Highlands Go Karts


Highlands Go Karts, Cromwell, New Zealand

Located at Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell, Highlands Go Karts offers one of the most exciting outdoor karting experiences in New Zealand. Featuring high-performance German-built Rimo petrol karts, a purpose-designed 650-metre circuit, and professional timing technology, this attraction is perfect for families, friends, corporate groups, and anyone looking to experience the thrill of motorsport in a safe and competitive environment. (Highlands)


Experience Highlights

High-Performance Go Karts

Unlike many recreational kart tracks, Highlands uses German-engineered Rimo petrol go karts, delivering responsive handling and impressive acceleration.

Features include:

  • Powerful petrol engines

  • Racing-style steering and seating

  • Professional safety equipment

  • Electronic lap timing system

  • Speeds of up to 50 km/h on single karts

Every session combines speed, skill, and friendly competition. (Highlands)


Purpose-Built Outdoor Circuit

The dedicated karting circuit has been designed to challenge drivers of all experience levels.


Track Specifications

  • Track Length: 650 metres

  • Multiple technical corners

  • Fast straights for overtaking

  • Smooth racing surface

  • Surrounded by extensive safety barriers

  • Capacity for up to 14 karts racing simultaneously

The layout rewards both precision driving and confidence, making every lap exciting. (Highlands)


Single & Tandem Kart Options

Single Karts

Ideal for teenagers and adults who want to compete for the fastest lap.

  • Speeds up to 50 km/h

  • Individual lap timing

  • Great for competitive racing


Tandem Karts

Designed for an adult and a child to enjoy together.

  • Twin-seat configuration

  • Dual steering wheels

  • Speed limited for added safety

  • Perfect introduction for younger racers

The tandem option allows families to experience motorsport together, even if children are too young to drive independently. (Highlands)


Race Format

Each karting session lasts approximately 10 minutes, providing plenty of time to improve lap times and challenge friends.


Typical Experience

  1. Check in at least 30 minutes before your booking

  2. Complete registration and safety waiver

  3. Attend a comprehensive driver briefing

  4. Receive helmet and safety equipment

  5. Head to the staging area

  6. Race around the purpose-built circuit

  7. Review your fastest lap times and collect your participation certificate

The entire experience takes around 40 minutes, including briefing and racing. (Everything New Zealand)


Electronic Lap Timing

Every kart is fitted with a transponder that records:

  • Fastest lap

  • Overall lap times

  • Position against other drivers

Results are displayed on screens immediately after the race and are also emailed to participants, making it easy to compare performances and settle friendly rivalries. (Everything New Zealand)


Family-Friendly Adventure

Highlands Go Karts is designed to accommodate a wide range of visitors.


Eligibility

Single Kart

  • Minimum age: 10 years

  • Minimum height: 140 cm

Tandem Kart

  • Driver: Minimum 16 years

  • Passenger: Minimum 6 years

  • Passenger minimum height: 120 cm

The team may also assess whether drivers can safely control the kart before allowing participation. (Highlands)


Safety Standards

Safety is a top priority at Highlands.

Every participant receives:

  • Full-face helmet

  • Hair net

  • Driver briefing

  • Professional track supervision

  • Secure lockers for personal belongings

Important requirements include:

  • Closed-toe shoes

  • No loose clothing

  • Long hair must be tied back

  • Zero alcohol tolerance for all self-drive activities

The track operates only in suitable weather conditions for maximum safety. (Highlands)


Spectator Experience

Friends and family can watch the action from dedicated viewing areas overlooking the circuit.

Spectators can:

  • Cheer on racers

  • Capture photos and videos

  • Relax at the Highlands Café

  • Explore other attractions while waiting

Helmets with GoPro mounts are also available for drivers who wish to record their experience using their own camera. (Highlands)


Combine with Other Highlands Attractions

A visit to Highlands Motorsport Park can easily become a full-day adventure by combining go karting with:

  • V8 Muscle Car U-Drive

  • Supercar passenger rides

  • National Motorsport Museum

  • Sculpture Park

  • Mini Golf

  • Highlands Café

  • The famous "Loo with a View"

This variety makes Highlands one of the South Island's most unique entertainment destinations. (Highlands)


Location

  • Address: Corner SH6 & Sandflat Road, Cromwell, Otago

  • Distance from Queenstown: Approximately 45 minutes by car

  • Operating Hours: Generally 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily (subject to events and weather)

  • Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours, or longer when combining multiple experiences. (Highlands)


Why Visit?

Highlands Go Karts delivers a genuine motorsport experience that goes far beyond a typical amusement attraction. With high-quality German karts, a professionally designed outdoor circuit, live lap timing, and spectacular Central Otago scenery, it offers an exciting blend of speed, competition, and family-friendly fun. Whether you're chasing the fastest lap or introducing children to the world of racing, Highlands Go Karts is one of the premier adventure activities near Queenstown and Cromwell. (Highlands)

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