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Karting runs year-round through KartSport club days and national series.
The easiest way in — most KartSport clubs run regular race days at their local circuit, open to spectators, free or low-cost.
KartSport NZ runs several championship series each season, including Rok Cup NZL, the KartStars Challenge Series, and the National Sprint Championships — the 2026 Sprint Nationals run at KartSport Rotorua's Amoore Road circuit in Mamaku.
Check the calendar below for what's on this week, or browse by region to find a KartSport club running near you.
New to karting? Start here — no gear or licence required.
Look out for "Have a Go Days" at your local KartSport club. Turn up, sign an indemnity form, drive under supervision.
Every driver signs one before racing, practising, or even testing on track. Under 18? A parent or guardian signs too — and needs to stay on-site the whole day, including the drivers briefing.
KartSport clubs offer a One Day Licence for newcomers without a full KartSport NZ licence — up to three per person per year. It's the easiest way to compete at a club day before committing to a full licence.
Getting on the grid takes a few steps — here's the path.
Watch for "Have a Go Days" at your local KartSport club. Sign an indemnity form, jump in under supervision. No licence, no gear, no commitment yet.
Every practice day, test day and race meeting runs through a KartSport club. Membership comes first.
Apply through the KartSport NZ Digital Licence App. Practice licences open from age 5. Ready to race? You'll start on an X-Plate Competition Licence for club day competition.
New racers run a black X on the rear plate and start at the back of the grid. Once a Race Official signs off on your pace, the X comes off.
Cadet, Mini, Junior, Senior — age decides the kart. Senior sprint starts at 15, or 14 for faster juniors stepping up.
Full-face helmet, approved suit, gloves, enclosed footwear — all to spec, checked before you're cleared to race.
What you need before you're cleared to race.
Must carry a Snell, ECE, or SFI certification sticker inside the shell, and be no older than 10 years from date of manufacture. No sticker, no racing.
One-piece, covering neck to ankles, arms included. Must fasten securely at neck, wrists, and ankles. CIK-FIA homologated suits (Standard N2001-1 or N2013-1) don't expire under KartSport NZ rules — a solid reason to buy homologated secondhand rather than an unlisted suit.
Full hand and finger coverage, firm-fitting, substantial material like leather. Worn for every practice and race.
Enclosed, race-appropriate footwear — no exceptions on scrutineering day.
Every question about getting started — club days, membership, gear — is best answered by the KartSport club nearest you. Find yours through the KartSport Club Directory.
For national licensing, event permits, or anything your club can't answer:
Email: office@kartsport.org.nz
Phone: 09 570 1392
Competitive karting starts at age 6 in the Cadet ROK class, which runs for ages 6 to under 10. Most clubs also run have-a-go days where kids can try a kart before committing.
A second-hand cadet kart package typically costs NZ$3,500–5,500, with safety gear adding NZ$500–1,500. Club membership and race entries are on top, but karting remains the cheapest form of competitive motorsport.
Yes — competitive karting requires KartSport New Zealand club membership and a competition licence, arranged through your local club. Practice days and have-a-go sessions usually don't.
Track karting means racing your own kart at a KartSport club circuit; rental karting is arrive-and-drive at commercial venues with karts supplied. This page covers competitive club and championship karting.
Club days and championship rounds run most weekends at KartSport tracks nationwide, and spectating is almost always free. Check the listings above for events near you.
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