Go-Kart Racing in Cromwell: 650m Track Near Queenstown

Drive a high-speed go-kart on a purpose-built concrete track and set your fastest lap time.

Highlands Motorsport Go-Karts is an outdoor go-kart racing activity in Cromwell, Central Otago, where you drive a German-built Rimo kart around a 650-metre track edged with tyres and concrete features. The track sits 45 minutes from Queenstown Airport, and you can race solo or bring friends and family to compete. Helmets and safety gear are provided; drivers must be at least 10 years old and 140 cm tall, while tandem passengers can be younger if they meet the 120 cm height requirement.

The Experience

Highlands Motorsport Go-Karts sits along State Highway 6 in Cromwell and ranks as the #1 thing to do there on TripAdvisor. The outdoor track spans 650 metres, built from 672 cubic metres of concrete and bordered by 4,830 tyres—a setup designed to handle serious racing. You'll drive a top-quality German-built Rimo kart capable of speeds up to 50 km/hr, and you choose between single-seater and two-seater options depending on whether you're racing solo or bringing someone along for the ride.

The activity runs for 45 minutes, and the track works equally well for individuals testing their lap times, groups competing against each other, or families making it a shared challenge. Helmets and safety gear come with your booking. The facility is wheelchair accessible, and service animals are welcome. If you're under the minimum driving age of 10 years or below 140 cm in height, you can still ride as a tandem passenger in a two-seater kart—passengers just need to be at least 120 cm tall. The go-kart team may ask taller or younger drivers to run a test lap first to confirm they can control the kart before the main session begins.

What’s included

• Helmets and safety gear for every driver.
• access to the 650-metre outdoor track with single or two-seater kart options.
• 45 minutes of racing time.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Highlands - Experience the Exceptional

Is this one for you?Book this if you're coming as a group or family and want everyone racing at once—the two-seater karts let younger kids or non-drivers ride along, and the track is built for head-to-head competition rather than a solo time trial. Solo racers work just as well; the single-seater option is there if you want to chase your own fastest lap without company.

Traveler reviews

4.77★★★★★★★★★★

70 verified traveler reviews

5 ★63

4 ★1

3 ★4

2 ★1

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

How fast do the go-karts at Highlands Motorsport reach?

The German-built Rimo karts are capable of speeds up to 50 km/hr, making them fast enough for a genuine racing experience without being extreme.

Can children drive the go-karts, or do they have to ride as passengers?

Children aged 10 and over who are at least 140 cm tall can drive solo; younger children or those under 140 cm can ride as tandem passengers in a two-seater kart if they meet the 120 cm height requirement.

What's included with a go-kart booking at Highlands?

Helmets and safety gear are provided with every booking; you bring nothing except yourself and your competitive spirit.

How long is the go-kart track in Cromwell?

The outdoor track is 650 metres long, built with concrete features and bordered by tyres to create a challenging racing circuit.

How far is Highlands Motorsport from Queenstown?

Highlands sits 45 minutes from Queenstown Airport, making it a straightforward drive for a day trip or an outing while exploring Central Otago.

Can I book a two-seater kart to race with a friend or family member?

Yes, two-seater karts are available, so you can bring a friend or family member along to share the 45-minute session and compete together.