A Guide to the Best Casino Destinations in New Zealand

With gambling establishments across both islands, there are different gambling establishments for Kiwi gambling enthusiasts to choose from. The first land-based casino was only founded in 1994 after which a handful of other venues were opened. All five casinos found in NZ today are known to be highly worthwhile.

If you want to play your favorite casino games in a traditional casino setting, New Zealand has a lot to offer. Whilst more and more players bring their business to online casino websites, there is still enough reason to enjoy the real casino thrills in brick-and-mortar venues. Whether it’s a good ol’ pokie machine you’re after or you want to suit up and join the roulette table, this guide will tell you more about the very best casino destinations in New Zealand in 2023. Here’s what’s on offer for all casino-minded Kiwis.

SkyCity Auckland

With breathtaking 360 ̊ views up to 80 kilometers in every direction, SkyCity Auckland is by far the most exciting casino in New Zealand if we may say. This is the biggest casino in New Zealand and the good thing about it is that it’s open around the clock. Whatever time of the day you go to SkyCity Auckland you’ll find 2100 pokie machines, whilst there are also more than 150 table games. Take into account that the opening hours of the table games can vary. Be sure to visit the exclusive baccarat room that comes with a posh bar and excellent services tailored to the needs of high rollers if so required. 

• What To Play: Blackjack, Baccarat, Rapid Baccarat, Money Wheel, Pai Gow, Roulette, Caribbean Stud Poker, Rapid Roulette, Tai Sai, Poker, 3 Card Poker, Texas Hold’em, Lunar Poker, Snake Eyes, Casino War, and EZ Baccarat.
• When to Go: 24/7.
• Where To Go: 72 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010

SkyCity Hamilton

 

Amongst people who live between Hamilton and Auckland, the SkyCity Hamilton branch is seen as a valid alternative to the one in the country’s biggest city. This branch in Hamilton is comparable to that of Skycity Auckland which means there are a few hundred gaming machines to choose from as well as a lot of table games. Those looking for the experience of a full night out will also have trendy bars and restaurants serving tasty snacks and meals. Along with outstanding services and experiences, the Hamilton SkyCity Casino is highly popular in the region for its weekly events with something else on offer on most days of the week.

• What To Play: Casino Roulette, Pokie Games, Midi Baccarat, Rapid Roulette, Rapid Baccarat, Caribbean Stud Poker, Money Wheel.
• When to Go: Tu, We, Th: 10AM– 4AM; Fr: 10AM – 12AM; Sa, Su: 24 hours, Mo: 10AM – 4AM.
• Where To Go: 346 Victoria Street, Hamilton 3204.

Grand Casino Dunedin

The city of Dunedin sits at the Otago Harbour which gives this casino a vibe visitors won’t easily find at other establishments in the country. Dunedin’s Casino has been refurbished in recent years with the goal to give a Monte Carlo feel with well-designed gaming rooms, exquisite mosaic flooring, and a staircase that gives you access to a glass dome roof. The overall gaming experience at Dunedin’s Casino is best described as a combination of an authentic venue with a modern gaming experience. Turned into a casino in ‘99, there are 12 table games and 180 electronic pokie machines found on the main floor. This portfolio includes popular table games like poker, baccarat, blackjack, and roulette. Grand Casino Dunedin is one of the casinos found on the southeast coast of the South Island.

• What To Play: Baccarat, Caribbean Stud Poker, Live Poker, Electronic Games, Roulette, Blackjack, Pokie Machines.
• When to Go: 12 PM – 12 AM.
• Where To Go: 118 High Street, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand.

Christchurch Casino

Casino lovers? There are lots of games of chance available, but this casino venue is also interesting for those who want a full night out. Visitors should not miss the Monza Sports Bar which serves big burgers, all sorts of steaks and Italian-style pizzas served with wine, beer, or other spirits. With the ongoing promotions at this bar, you might just save yourself some dollars (that you might or might not spend in the casino). As for casino games, players will have a choice of most table games including roulette and poker.

• What To Play: Table Games, Pokie Machines, Poker, Roulette, Money Wheel, Blackjack, and Poker.
• When to Go: Su – We: 12 PM – 12 AM; Th – Sa: 12 PM – 2 AM.
• Where To Go: 30 Victoria Street, Christchurch 8013.

SKYCITY Queenstown

Whether you’re after the +85 pokie machines or table games like roulette or blackjack, you will have heaps of options at this casino venue in Queenstown. With 12 tables, there is normally a spot left for visitors at least one of the tables. And if you prefer to have a bite instead you can visit one of the high-class restaurants you’ll encounter here. Our recommendation is to go to Wild Thyme Bar and Kitchen where all sorts of snacks are waiting for you whilst you can also have a full lunch or dinner. Visitors of this casino need to meet the minimum age restrictions of 20 years or older. 

• What To Play: Blackjack, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Roulette, Baccarat, Pokie Machines, Caribbean Stud Poker.
• When To Go: 11 AM – 12 AM.
• Where To Go: Stratton House Level 2/16-24 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300.

References

• https://skycityqueenstown.co.nz/queenstown-casino/
• https://skycityauckland.co.nz/sky-tower/