There’s something about skimming a tiny boat across a lake at 30 km/h that pulls in adults just as much as kids. If you’re in New Zealand and looking for a remote control boat that actually delivers performance, the choice can feel surprisingly wide—from Kmart shelf toys to custom-built brushless hulls. This guide sorts through what’s available locally, what you’ll pay, and where to find the best RC boats for adult hobbyists.

4 related posts

Average price range for RC boats in NZ: $50 – $500 ·
Top speed range: 15 – 40 km/h ·
Typical battery runtime: 10 – 30 minutes ·
Popular price point for adult RC boats: $150 – $350 ·
NZ retailers with dedicated RC boat lines: 5+

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Kmart NZ sells budget RC boats under $100 (Kmart NZ)
  • RCHobbies, Hobby Station, Mighty Ape, and RCParts NZ are active online retailers (RC Hobbies NZ)
  • Brushless motors offer higher speeds and durability (EXHOBBY)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact current stock at Kmart varies by store and season
  • Best model for saltwater use has limited specialist information
  • Long-term reliability of budget RC boats from Kmart is untested
3Timeline signal
  • Price comparison sites now show RC boats from NZ$30.99 (PriceSpy NZ)
  • Brushless self-righting models are entering the sub-$100 segment (YouTube 2025 review)
4What’s next
  • Expect more NZ retailers to stock adult-oriented RC boats with brushless motors and self-righting hulls (Hobby Station)
  • Second-hand market via Facebook groups will continue to offer affordable options (Rc boats nz Facebook group)
Key facts at a glance
Average price range $50 – $500
Top speed range 15 – 40 km/h
Battery life 10 – 30 min
Popular brands Traxxas, Pro Boat, Kogan, HobbyKing
Most common type Electric brushless – fast and reliable
Water type suitability Freshwater (lakes/ponds) recommended; few saltwater-capable

Where can I find used remote control boats in New Zealand?

Top marketplaces for used RC boats

If you’re looking for a bargain, the second-hand market is where many NZ hobbyists start. Facebook groups dedicated to RC boats, such as “Rc boats nz”, regularly list used models from private sellers (Rc boats nz Facebook group). Trade Me also has a steady stream of used remote control boats, often from sellers upgrading to faster models (Trade Me NZ). Some local retailers like RC Hobbies NZ occasionally offer ex-demo or returned boats at reduced prices.

What to check when buying a used RC boat

Battery condition is the first thing to verify—NiMH packs lose capacity over time, and LiPo batteries can swell if mistreated. Inspect the hull for cracks or water ingress, especially around the stuffing tube and rudder. The motor should spin freely; if it’s brushless, check that the water-cooling system isn’t clogged. One Facebook seller noted their boat had “a brushless motor and water cooled ESC” but admitted it wasn’t “the best at it” (Rc boats nz member). A test run in a bucket of water can reveal leaks.

The catch: a used RC boat can be a smart entry point—if you’re willing to inspect and negotiate.

Does Kmart sell remote control boats in New Zealand?

Kmart’s current RC boat range

Yes, Kmart NZ typically stocks budget remote control boats aimed at children and beginners. Prices generally stay under $100, making them the cheapest new option in the country (Kmart NZ). However, these are toy-grade models with brushed motors, short battery life (often 10–15 minutes), and limited range.

How Kmart RC boats compare to specialist retailers

Specialist stores like Hobby Station and RC Hobbies NZ sell boats that start around $150 and can exceed $500. These models use brushless motors, self-righting hulls, and reach speeds of 30–40 km/h. The trade-off is clear: a Kmart boat is fine for a kiddie pool, but an adult looking for real performance will outgrow it in one outing.

The catch: if you’re on a tight budget and just want to test the waters, Kmart is the place. Don’t expect durability or speed.

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

Top picks for speed and performance

For adults who want speed, the Kogan High Speed RC Boat—available in NZ through Mighty Ape—hits 32 km/h with a brushless motor. RC Hobbies NZ offers a range of brushless boats that can exceed 40 km/h, while Hobby Station stocks gas-powered models for experienced users. On the premium side, the Traxxas Spartan reaches about 80 km/h (50 mph) and costs well over $700 (YouTube comparison).

Best RC boats for lakes and calm waterways

For New Zealand’s lakes, a self-righting hull is a lifesaver. Models like the DEERC H120 (under $50 USD) self-right automatically if they flip (2024 YouTube review). Hobby Station also carries scale yachts and dual-propeller boats that handle choppy water well. Most adult-oriented boats are designed for freshwater; only a few specialty models can handle saltwater.

The pattern: brushless + self-righting is the sweet spot for adult hobbyists in NZ lakes.

Why this matters

A $150–$300 brushless boat from a specialist NZ retailer delivers 5× the speed and 3× the battery life of a $60 Kmart toy. The investment pays off in every session.

How much do remote control boats cost in New Zealand?

Price range by type

Budget RC boats under $100 are available from Kmart and some general toy stores. These are brushed, slow (under 15 km/h), and have short runtimes. Mid-range boats ($150–$300) from RC Hobbies NZ and Hobby Station offer brushless motors, 20–30 minute runtimes, and speeds of 25–40 km/h. Premium hulls and custom builds can exceed $500. On PriceSpy NZ, you’ll find listings as low as $30.99 for a “High Speed Remote Control Boat Double Battery”—but these are often toy-grade and may require extra batteries (PriceSpy NZ).

What you get for different price points

At $30–$50 you get a plastic hull, brushed motor, and 10 minutes of fun. At $150–$300 you get a brushless motor, water-cooled ESC, 20–30 minutes runtime, and speeds that actually feel fast. At $500+ you get premium brands like Traxxas with speeds over 70 km/h and built-in self-righting.

The trade-off: spending more upfront saves money over time because cheap RC boats break faster and can’t be repaired easily.

Where to buy remote control boats online in New Zealand?

Best online stores for RC boats in NZ

  • RC Hobbies NZ – dedicated RC boat section with parts and accessories.
  • Hobby Station – yachts, gas boats, click & collect available.
  • Mighty Ape – ships the Kogan High Speed RC Boat and other models.
  • PriceSpy NZ – price comparison across multiple sellers.
  • Rc boats nz – Facebook group for used boats and advice.

What to consider before ordering

Check shipping costs—some overseas sellers charge high freight to NZ. Look for “ready-to-run” (RTR) packages that include batteries, charger, and radio. EXHOBBY sells high-performance boats for adults and beginners, but their prices are in USD, so factor in exchange and shipping. For local support, RC Hobbies NZ and Hobby Station offer nationwide delivery and returns.

Why this matters: buying from a NZ-based retailer means faster shipping, local warranty support, and no surprise import duties.

The upshot

Stick with NZ retailers for your first RC boat. You’ll get after-sales support and avoid the headache of shipping a broken boat back overseas.

Comparison: RC boat models available in New Zealand

The table below breaks down four key models by price, speed, and motor type to show the clear divide between toy and hobby-grade.

Model Price (NZD) Speed Motor type Best for
Kogan High Speed RC Boat (Mighty Ape) ~$130–$180 32 km/h Brushless Speed on a budget
DEERC H120 (via overseas) ~$80–$100 ~20 km/h Brushed Beginners, self-righting
Traxxas Spartan $700+ ~80 km/h Brushless High-speed enthusiasts

Specifications: typical brushless RC boat

The six specs below show exactly where hobby-grade boats leave budget toys behind.

Specification Mid-range brushless (e.g., Kogan) Budget toy (e.g., Kmart)
Motor Brushless (water-cooled) Brushed
Battery LiPo 7.4V 1500mAh NiMH 4.8V 700mAh
Runtime 20–30 min 10–15 min
Speed 25–40 km/h 8–15 km/h
Hull material ABS plastic or fiberglass Thin plastic
Self-righting Often yes No
Radio range 100–200 m 30–50 m
Water cooling Yes (ESC and motor) No

Pros and cons of remote control boat types

Upsides

  • Brushless motors last longer and run faster
  • Self-righting hulls save retrieval time
  • LiPo batteries provide consistent power
  • Water cooling allows extended running in NZ lakes

Downsides

  • Brushless boats cost 2–3× more than brushed toys
  • LiPo batteries require careful charging and storage
  • Used boats may have hidden damage (water ingress, worn bearings)
  • Saltwater use is very limited without special coatings

What’s clarified about RC boats in New Zealand

Confirmed facts

  • Kmart sells RC boats under $100 (Kmart NZ)
  • Brushless motors are standard in adult-oriented models (EXHOBBY)
  • PriceSpy NZ shows listings as low as $30.99 (PriceSpy NZ)
  • Used boats are listed on Facebook and Trade Me (Rc boats nz, Trade Me)

What’s unclear

  • Exact Kmart stock varies by location and season
  • Best saltwater RC boat model for NZ waters is not documented
  • Long-term reliability of low-cost RC boats is unverified

What RC boat users are saying

If you are in the market for remote controlled boats, look no further. We have a fabulous range of RC boats and RC boat parts available. Buy now!

— RC Hobbies NZ (RC Hobbies NZ)

Built for excitement, this RC boat hits speeds up to 32 km/h with impressive control and smooth manoeuvrability.

— Mighty Ape product description (Mighty Ape)

For sale this rc boat I put it together to recover RC floats planes. wasn’t the best at it but did well. has a brushless motor and water cooled ESC not hooked…

— Facebook group ‘Rc boats nz’ member (Rc boats nz)

The message across sources: NZ buyers value local availability and after-sale service. RCHobbies and Hobby Station both emphasize New Zealand support, while the Facebook community provides real-world honesty about used boats.

Related reading: Remote control boat NZ price comparison for adults · Best RC boats for adults in New Zealand

Additional sources

youtube.com

For those exploring local options, it’s also worth checking used boats for sale on Trade Me to see what second-hand RC boats are available across the country.

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Frequently asked questions

How fast are remote control boats?

Entry-level toy boats reach 8–15 km/h. Mid-range brushless models (e.g., Kogan) hit 25–40 km/h. Premium boats like the Traxxas Spartan can exceed 80 km/h (YouTube comparison).

What is the best remote control boat for saltwater?

Few RC boats are designed for saltwater out of the box. Look for models with corrosion-resistant hardware and sealed electronics. In New Zealand, specialist retailers can advise on saltwater upgrades.

Are remote control boats easy to operate?

Most ready-to-run boats are easy for beginners – just charge the battery, bind the radio, and go. Brushless boats may require more throttle control to avoid flipping.

Can children use remote control boats?

Yes, but toy-grade boats under $100 from Kmart are best for kids. Adult-oriented boats with brushless motors can be too fast for young operators.

How long does the battery last on an RC boat?

Budget boats run 10–15 minutes. Mid-range brushless boats last 20–30 minutes. Extend runtime by buying additional LiPo packs (PriceSpy NZ).

Do you need a license to operate an RC boat in New Zealand?

No, but you must operate responsibly. Regional councils may have bylaws about RC boats on lakes – check local regulations before your first run.

What is the difference between brushed and brushless RC boats?

Brushed motors are cheaper and slower, used in toy boats. Brushless motors are more efficient, faster, and durable – they’re standard in adult-performance RC boats (EXHOBBY).

The choice for a New Zealand buyer is simple: if you want to feel the wind and buzz of a miniature speedboat on a lake, invest at least $150 in a brushless model from a local retailer. Anything less will leave you wondering why your boat is barely moving while others zoom past. For the budget-conscious, a used RC boat from Facebook or Trade Me can be a smart entry point – just inspect thoroughly. For the enthusiast, NZ specialist stores have everything from ready-to-run hulls to custom builds. The lake is waiting.