What Age Can Kids Go Go Karting in NZ? Age Guide for Young Racers
If you have ever been asked "can I drive a go kart?" by a very determined five year old, here is the short answer: kids can start go karting from age 3 at Game Over Auckland. Our Mini Go Karts are built for drivers aged 3 to 6, so even the littlest racers get a proper turn behind the wheel.
From there, kids move up through age bands. Junior Racing is for ages 7 to 13 at Game Over Pakuranga and ages 7 to 12 at Game Over Albany. Adult Racing starts at 14+ in Pakuranga and 13+ in Albany. That means there is a kart for nearly every age, from preschoolers to parents who still think they are quick.
Go karting age groups at a glance
Mini Go Karts: ages 3 to 6
This is where it all begins. Mini karts are designed for the youngest drivers, so three, four, five and six year olds get the thrill of driving without being thrown in with the big kids.
- Pakuranga: 1 Mini Kart Session $29
- Albany: Single Session $29, or an All Experience Pass $52
It is a brilliant first taste of motorsport, and usually the moment parents realise their child has been paying very close attention to how the family car works.
Junior Racing: ages 7 to 13 (Pakuranga) or 7 to 12 (Albany)
Once kids hit seven, they graduate to Junior Racing and a real race experience with other drivers their own age.
- Pakuranga: 1 Junior Race $44, 2 Junior Races $79
- Albany: Single Race $44, 2 Races $79, 3 Races $104
Adult Racing: ages 14+ (Pakuranga) or 13+ (Albany)
Teenagers do not have to wait for a driver licence to go fast. Adult Racing kicks in at 14 and over in East Auckland, and 13 and over on the North Shore.
- Pakuranga: 1 Adult Race $49, 2 Adult Races $89
- Albany: Single Race $49, 2 Races $84, 3 Races $109
Why the age bands matter
The age groups are not red tape, they are the whole point. Grouping drivers by age means kids race people of a similar size and experience level, in karts suited to them, rather than sharing a track with adults who are twice their weight.
It also keeps the racing fun. A seven year old having their first go on a track does not want to be lapped repeatedly by someone's uncle. In a junior session, every driver is learning the same corners at the same time, so the racing stays close and the confidence builds fast.
Our go karts at Pakuranga run on an epic multi-level track in high speed electric karts, while the Albany track serves up fast karts and tight corners. Both venues have the full set of age bands, so you can pick whichever is closer to home.
What if my child is not quite old enough?
If your little one has not hit their third birthday yet, or an older sibling is racing and you need something for the younger crew, both venues have plenty to keep everyone busy.
At Pakuranga, Ninja City is a huge indoor adventure playground with giant slides, climbing walls, high ropes, trampolines, ball pits and tunnels. There is also Wild West themed 18 hole mini golf, eight lanes of bowling and East Auckland's newest and largest arcade. Mini golf and bowling are both all ages at $24 per round or game.
At Albany, there is safari themed laser tag for all ages from $18 a mission, a 12 hole indoor Jurassic themed mini putt course at $16 a round, and an arcade full of prizes to chase. The Tag and Putt Combo at $25 is an easy option for mixed age groups.
Planning a kids' karting visit
A few simple tips to make the day run smoothly:
- Check which age band your child falls into before you book, especially around those 12, 13 and 14 year old cut offs, because they differ slightly between venues.
- Book online ahead of time at book.gameoverauckland.co.nz so your race slot is locked in.
- Allow time for more than racing. Most families end up adding mini golf, laser tag or a round of arcade games.
- Fuel up on site. Pakuranga has food and drinks in the venue, so nobody has to leave hungry.
Where to find us
Game Over Pakuranga is at 5 Aylesbury Street, Pakuranga, open Monday to Friday 11am to 9pm, Saturday 10am to 10pm and Sunday 10am to 9pm.
Game Over Albany is at 35 Arrenway Drive, Albany, open Monday to Wednesday 11am to 6pm, Thursday and Friday 11am to 8pm, and weekends 10am to 8pm. Give us a call on 0508 426 368 if you have questions.
So, what age can kids go go karting in NZ? At Game Over, the answer is three. Get them started early and watch the lap times fall.
