Remote Control Cars NZ: Complete Buying Guide & Top Retailers

Shopping for a remote control car in New Zealand can feel like choosing between a dozen different worlds. Whether you’re after a budget toy for the backyard or a serious hobby-grade machine, the options are surprisingly wide — and the right choice depends on where you live and what you want to drive. This guide cuts through the noise, drawing on NZ-specific retailers and real-world advice to help you pick the perfect RC car without the guesswork.

Top brands available in NZ: Losi, Arrma, Tamiya, Tekno RC ·
Major NZ retailers: RC Hobbies, Jaycar, Toyworld, Farmers, Elite Hobbies ·
Price range (entry-level to hobby-grade): NZD $30 – $1,500+ ·
Online purchase options: Click & Collect, free delivery on selected orders

Here is a summary of key facts to help you navigate the market.

What are the best remote control cars in New Zealand?

One way to answer this is to look at what local retailers actually stock and what they recommend for different skill levels. The market splits into two clear categories: toy-grade machines sold at general retailers, and hobby-grade cars from specialist shops.

Top RC car models for beginners

• Arrma Granite (entry-level brushless) – available at RC Hobbies NZ (specialist hobby store)
• Tamiya TT-02 kit – a popular build-your-own option (RC Hobbies NZ)
• Losi Mini-T 2.0 – ready-to-run 1:18 scale, great for small spaces (RC Hobbies NZ)

Hobby-grade RC cars for enthusiasts

• Arrma Kraton 6S – high-speed monster truck, requires skill and budget (RC Hobbies NZ)
• Tekno RC MT410 – kit build, competition-grade (Elite Hobbies, direct importer)
• Losi 5IVE-T 2.0 – 1/5 scale, nitro/gas, top-tier performance (RC Hobbies NZ)

Best value RC cars under $200

• WLtoys 144001 – 1:14 buggy, widely available on Tech Outlet (NZ warehouse)
• HBX 16889 – 1:16 off-road, good for beginners (Tech Outlet Store)
• Hot Wheels RC cars – toy-grade, under $50 at Farmers

The pattern: the best RC car for you is defined by your budget and your willingness to maintain it. Toy-grade is disposable; hobby-grade is an investment that pays back in durability and speed.

Does Kmart New Zealand sell remote control cars?

Kmart NZ does carry remote control cars, but the selection is limited to toy-grade models aimed at children and casual play. They typically stock low-cost brands like Anko (their in-house label) and occasional licensed vehicles.

Kmart NZ RC car range

• Anko 1:18 scale RC cars – priced around $30–$50 (based on typical Kmart range)
• DC and Marvel licensed RC vehicles – seasonal
• No hobby-grade or replacement parts available

Kmart RC car prices

• Toy-grade: $30 – $60
• No entry-level hobby options

Customer reviews of Kmart RC cars

• Generally rated 3–4 stars for short-term fun, but durability issues reported on forums (no direct source)

What this means: Kmart is a place to buy a quick gift, not a vehicle that will last. If you want something that can be repaired or upgraded, you need a specialist retailer.

Does Farmers New Zealand sell remote control cars?

Yes – Farmers has a dedicated toys category for cars, trucks, and remote control vehicles. Their range includes Hot Wheels RC cars, Monster Trucks, and other toy-grade options.

Farmers toy car selection

• Hot Wheels RC cars – $40–$80 (Farmers)
• Monster Truck RC vehicles – $60–$100
• Occasional licensed brands (e.g., Jurassic World)

Farmers RC car brands

• Hot Wheels, Mattel, Fisher-Price (Farmers)

Farmers online vs in-store availability

• Click & Collect available nationwide (Farmers)
• Online stock often differs from in-store

The catch: Farmers is a good option for a quick toy-grade buy, but don’t expect hobby-grade performance or parts. If you’re buying for a child who wants a realistic RC experience, consider stepping up to a specialist.

What is the Remote Control Car Warehouse in New Zealand?

There is no single company called “Remote Control Car Warehouse” in New Zealand. The term likely refers to a combination of two things: the physical or online warehouse of a specialist retailer like RC Hobbies NZ, or the general concept of a warehouse-style store. However, the dedicated hobby shop “RC Car Warehouse” is not a known entity. Instead, the closest equivalent is RC Hobbies NZ, which operates as a warehouse-style retailer with a wide range.

Overview of RC Car Warehouse

• RC Hobbies NZ (rchobbies.co.nz) is the largest specialist RC retailer in NZ (RC Hobbies NZ)
• RCNZ (rcnz.com) also offers over 8000 products from a warehouse model (RCNZ)

Products and brands

• Losi, Arrma, Tamiya, Kyosho, Tekno RC – all available at RC Hobbies (RC Hobbies NZ)
• Nitro, electric, on-road, off-road, and drift cars

Warehouse location and online store

• RC Hobbies NZ: online only with nationwide shipping
• Tech Outlet: physical address at 1/6 Airborne Road, Rosedale, Auckland (Tech Outlet Store)

The implication: if you’re searching for a “RC car warehouse”, you’re likely looking for a specialist retailer with deep stock. RC Hobbies NZ and RCNZ are the two main players.

What are the best remote control cars for adults in New Zealand?

Adult RC car enthusiasts typically want speed, customization, and durability. The market offers several options that go well beyond toy-grade performance.

High-performance RC cars for adults

• Arrma Infraction – 1/7 scale street basher, speeds over 100 km/h (Horizon Hobby, hobby industry leader)
• Losi 5IVE-T 2.0 – 1/5 scale, gas-powered, competition-grade (RC Hobbies NZ)
• Tekno RC MT410 – kit build, virtually indestructible (Elite Hobbies)

Adult-oriented features (speed, customization)

• Brushless motors, LiPo batteries, adjustable suspension
• Full aftermarket parts support from brands like Associated Electrics (RC car manufacturer)

Where to buy adult RC cars in NZ

• RC Hobbies NZ – largest selection (RC Hobbies NZ)
• RCNZ – shipping from $6 (RCNZ)
• Elite Hobbies – direct importer of Tekno RC

The trade-off: higher performance comes with higher costs and complexity. But for the right person, the reward is a vehicle that can be tuned, raced, and repaired for years.

Comparison: Where to buy remote control cars in NZ

Three retailers, one pattern: specialist stores offer hobby-grade with parts support, while general retailers focus on cheap toys.

The pattern: the more you want in terms of performance and longevity, the more you should lean toward a specialist. General retailers are fine for impulse buys or gifts.

Spec table: RC car categories explained

Six categories, one key insight: the price jump from toy to hobby is steep, but so is the leap in quality.

The implication: don’t be tempted by a $200 “hobby” label from a general retailer. True hobby-grade starts at $300 and requires a commitment to learn and maintain.

Upsides and downsides

The catch: the convenience of buying from a general retailer comes with a hidden cost — you’ll likely need to replace the whole car if something breaks. Specialist shops cost more upfront but save money in the long run.

Confirmed facts and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• RC Hobbies, Jaycar, Toyworld, Farmers, and Elite Hobbies sell RC cars in NZ (sources: RC Hobbies NZ, Jaycar New Zealand, Toyworld NZ, Farmers)
• Kmart offers toy-grade RC cars (general knowledge)
• Farmers offers Hot Wheels and remote control vehicles (Farmers)
• RCNZ offers over 8000 products and shipping from $6 (RCNZ)
• Associated Electrics says basic 1:12 electric RTRs start around $200 (Associated Electrics)

What’s unclear

• Exact stock levels and models vary by store and season (RC Hobbies NZ notes range but not real-time inventory)
• Whether specific brands like Traxxas are available in NZ (not confirmed by major retailers)
• Long-term durability of low-cost RC cars from NZ general retailers

Expert perspectives

“Browse New Zealand’s widest range of RC cars from Losi, Arrma, Tamiya and more.”

— RC Hobbies NZ (specialist hobby store)

“Shop RC cars online with Click & Collect or free delivery on selected orders.”

— Jaycar New Zealand (electronics retailer)

“Buying a first RC car is a tough and time-consuming decision.”

— Horizon Hobby (hobby industry leader)

“Basic 1:12 electric car RTRs can start around $200.”

— Associated Electrics (RC car manufacturer)

Summary

New Zealand’s RC car market offers everything from a $30 toy to a $3,000 competition machine. The key is knowing which aisle to walk down. For New Zealand buyers, the choice between toy-grade and hobby-grade RC cars is clear: if you want replaceable parts and real performance, skip the toy aisle and head to a specialist store. If you’re just looking for a quick bit of fun, a $50 Hot Wheels from Farmers or a $40 Anko from Kmart will do the trick. But remember: the first time a wheel falls off, you’ll wish you’d spent a little more upfront.

For those ready to dive deeper, consider checking out our guide to car hire at Auckland Airport if you’re planning a trip to pick up your new RC car in person, or our NZ car trade-in guide if you’re thinking of selling your current vehicle to fund the hobby.

Frequently asked questions