New Zealand runs a wide variety of motorsport categories, from wheel-to-wheel circuit racing at sealed tracks like Hampton Downs and Ruapuna, to gravel rally through NZRC, dirt-oval speedway, sprint and dirt karting, drag racing, drifting, off-road, motocross and driving experiences. Most are governed by MotorSport NZ or their own national body.

Grassroots events like motorkhana and autocross are the most affordable way in — they run under MotorSport NZ's entry-level ClubSport licence, which starts from around $90 a year, plus car club membership. Rental karting needs no licence at all. Circuit racing and rally licences cost more and require an exam.

Most competitive motorsport in New Zealand requires a MotorSport NZ licence, starting from around $90 a year, plus membership of an affiliated car club. Rental karting, driving experiences and public track days don't require one — just your standard driver's licence. Current fees are set by MotorSport NZ at motorsport.org.nz.

Circuit racing runs on sealed asphalt tracks like Taupō, Hampton Downs and Ruapuna, with cars racing wheel-to-wheel over multiple laps. Speedway runs on clay or dirt ovals such as Woodford Glen and Western Springs, typically with stockcars, sprintcars and saloons in shorter, contact-heavy races.