ABOUT
PRO KARTS & NELSON FUN PARK

Our Story: From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Adventure Hub

 

 

Pro Karts was born in 2006, founded by Nick Fowler, a passionate motorsport enthusiast with a background in speedway racing. What started as a dream to bring the thrill of go-karting to Nelson has since grown into one of New Zealand’s premier outdoor karting experiences. Our track, strategically located next to Nelson Fun Park in Tāhunanui, was among the first purpose-built go-kart tracks in the country.

 

The journey began with a simple mission: to create an exhilarating and safe racing environment for people of all ages. Over the years, Pro Karts has evolved into a multifaceted adventure park, offering not only karting but also laser tag, trampolining, and other entertainment options that draw visitors from across the region and country.

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Pioneering New Adventures: Laser Tag and Trampolining in Nelson

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Innovation has always been in our DNA. In 2013, we introduced Nelson’s first-ever laser tag experience—and one of New Zealand’s first outdoor laser tag arenas. Our open-air battlefield brought tactical excitement to life, offering a real-world experience filled with natural cover, bunkers, and open terrain. It quickly became a favourite for birthday parties, corporate events, and thrill-seekers looking for something unique.

 

Then in 2016, we made history again by launching New Zealand’s first outdoor trampoline park. Situated right here in Tāhunanui, this large-scale, open-air facility offered high-flying fun in the fresh air, featuring bounce zones, dodgeball courts, and more. It was not only Nelson’s first trampoline park but a national first, further cementing our position as leaders in family entertainment.

 

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Resilience in the Face of Adversity

 

In March 2014, Pro Karts faced one of its toughest challenges when a fire broke out at the facility. Despite the significant damage, we emerged stronger—rebuilding and upgrading our site to ensure an even better experience for our customers. This resilience is a testament to our unwavering commitment to top-quality entertainment, no matter the obstacle.

 

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A Growing Family

 

Later that same year, in 2014, the Pro Karts family grew when Nick met his now-wife, Betsy, and her daughter, Olivia. Since then, Betsy has joined forces with Nick to bring out the best in the opportunities before them. Together, they’ve strengthened the business, making it not just a place for thrilling experiences but also a cornerstone of the Nelson community.

 

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The Birth of IORK

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In 2020, we took our passion for karting to the next level with the inception of the Indoor & Outdoor Rental Karts (IORK) Championships. This national event has quickly become a highlight in New Zealand’s karting calendar, attracting competitors from across the country to test their skills on our challenging track. IORK represents our mission to promote karting not just as a leisure activity, but as a competitive sport that brings people together.

 

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Award-Winning Excellence

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Since 2017, Pro Karts has been consistently recognised with the Excellence Award and/or Traveler’s Choice Award by TripAdvisor every year. This recognition reflects our passion for delivering outstanding service and unforgettable experiences for our guests. We’re proud to be acknowledged as one of Nelson’s top destinations by those who matter most—our customers.

 

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Expansion and New Ventures

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Our momentum didn’t stop there. In November 2023, we proudly expanded our operations by acquiring Nelson Fun Park. This milestone allowed us to bring even more family-friendly activities under our umbrella, creating a unified hub for fun, relaxation, and adventure.

 

Then in July 2024, we launched Oceanside Oasis, our luxurious spa pool private hire service, set within the Nelson Fun Park complex. Designed as a serene retreat just steps from the action, Oceanside Oasis offers a unique chance to unwind in heated spa pools surrounded by beautiful landscaping and coastal vibes.

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A Vision of Tranquility: Expanding Oceanside Oasis

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By late 2024, our vision for Oceanside Oasis had grown. We began work on a purpose-built, expanded spa sanctuary to provide guests with an even more elevated relaxation experience. With enhanced private spa zones, native plant landscaping, ambient lighting, and premium amenities, the new area was designed to be a tranquil escape for couples, families, and friends alike.

 

This development marked a new chapter in our story—showing that adventure and relaxation can exist side by side, right here in Tāhunanui.

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Rooted in the Community: Giving Back and Making a Difference

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Being a part of the Nelson community means more to us than just running a successful business—it means giving back and being involved in what matters most to the people around us. Over the years, we’ve proudly supported dozens of local fundraising events, donating prizes, vouchers, and activity passes to help schools, sports clubs, and community groups raise essential funds.

 

Whether it’s helping a school gala, a junior sports team needing new gear, or families raising money for medical costs, we’re always open to lending a hand. We believe fun should also fuel positive change.

 

Beyond ongoing donations, we also host and take part in larger community-driven events, including our cherished annual IHC Day—a day dedicated to bringing joy and unforgettable experiences to individuals with intellectual disabilities. It’s a highlight of our year, as we welcome IHC families and caregivers for a day full of smiles, racing, games, and shared celebration.

 

Our connection to the community goes far beyond our gates. We actively participate in local festivals, partner with like-minded organisations, and continue to seek opportunities to create meaningful impact—because for us, success isn’t just measured in laps or ticket sales, but in how much we can give back to the people who support us.

 

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Looking to the Future

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As we continue to grow, our eyes are set on the future. We’re always looking for new ways to innovate, expand our offerings, and improve our facilities. With exciting new activities on the horizon and a relentless drive to exceed expectations, Pro Karts, Nelson Fun Park, and Oceanside Oasis will continue to be Nelson’s ultimate destination for fun, excitement, and unforgettable memories.

 

Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to welcoming you soon—where the thrill of the race is just the beginning.