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.

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SkyCity Auckland

Auckland’s SkyCity Casino is located in the Sky Tower which is found at 186 meters above street level. 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. With +150 table games and 2100 pokie machines, SkyCity Auckland is the busiest casino in the country that is open 24/7. This casino is known to put a lot of emphasis on responsible play, encouraging its guests to play in a moderate manner. 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. If you’re new to casino games and want to learn how to play table games, SkyCity Casino offers learning packages that will help you to get a hold of the games. If you’re only looking to sharpen your casino skills, they’ve got a package too.

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

SkyCity Casino Hamilton is located in one of the most picturesque spots of New Zealand, overlooking the Waikato River. Hamilton’s SkyCity Casino is one of the most remarkable venues of the SkyCity Casino franchise. 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. SkyCity Hamilton offers pretty much everything that the SkyCity Casino in Auckland has, right from hundreds of pokie machines, table games, to straightforward “learn to play”-packages. 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 Central, 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, roulette, and poker. 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

Christchurch Casino in New Zealand has an impressive number of +500 pokie machines, 36 gaming tables, a baccarat room, poker lounges, and a complete eSports arena. Christchurch Casino caters to the needs of both skilled players as well as newbies. 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). The casino itself features an in-house restaurant serving authentic Cantonese food, meaning that spicy noodles, dumplings, and stir-fries are all part of the menu. 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 Central City, Christchurch 8013

SKYCITY Queenstown Casino

SKYCITY Queenstown Casino houses some of the most popular casino games that you can play either before or after going to the casino’s premium restaurants. Before you head to this casino, be sure to check the calendar as there are often special events that will make your night out even more pleasurable. SKYCITY Queenstown Casino has 86 pokie machines, as well as popular table games such as Blackjack, Roulette, and Caribbean Stud Poker. With 12 tables, there is normally a spot left for visitors at least one of the tables. The casino’s in-house restaurant is called Wild Thyme Bar and Kitchen which serves snacks, lunch, and dinner. If you haven’t got any casino experience, or want to work on your skills, ask any member of the staff for the ‘Learn-to-Play’ brochures. Visitors must be aged 20 years or older to be allowed entrance at SkyCity Queenstown.

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.

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