Most Popular Gambling Destinations in New Zealand

Giuseppe Faraone
Senior Author
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New Zealand is a place far away for many people around the world. Yet if you are intending to visit, then you might want to read this guide. Here, we'll give you advice on the most popular gambling destinations in New Zealand. This way, you can schedule a visit to them while you're holidaying.

Dunedin Casino

If you travel about half a kilometre south of Dunedin, you'll find the Dunedin Casino. While it now goes by the official name of the Grand Casino, people still know it as the Dunedin. It serves as the city's most popular entertainment venue. The Dunedin bases itself within the Scenic Circle Southern Cross Hotel. While the hotel dates back to 1883, the casino opened its doors in 1999. Today, it has over 180 slot machines (or pokies, as they're known in NZ). Some of the best NZ online pokies are available within this casino. Further to this, you will be able to play blackjack, baccarat, roulette and Caribbean stud.

The establishment also hosts the Grand Bar and Restaurant. There, you can dine on some fantastic cuisine, with an extensive menu on offer. The interior of the casino showcases traditional Victorian style and elegant décor. You'll doubtless marvel at the grand spiral staircase within. Not only that, but the casino provides some fantastic offers. They include the Flash Friday Draw and the $2,000 Sundays.

Christchurch Casino

Everyone has heard of the city of Christchurch in New Zealand. If you go there, then you'll definitely want to check out the Christchurch Casino. It has a much more modern look than the Dunedin, and it stands at 44,000 square feet large. The casino opened in 1994, serving as the country's first-ever land-based gaming venue. More than 500 pokies are on the casino floor, while around 36 game tables are also present. Visitors can enjoy the poker lounges, too.

It's another casino that presents a fantastic dining experience as well. The Café offers excellent lunch options, while the Monza Sports Bar is excellent for live sports. Or you could visit Valley's Bar, with its top-quality décor and great choice of wines. Live entertainment also takes place at Christchurch Casino. Every Friday and Saturday there is live music and themed nights. Plus, you can visit the venue on a 24/7 basis.

SkyCity Casino, Auckland

When in New Zealand, Auckland is an ideal place to visit. Not only due to the fascinating city itself but due to the SkyCity Casino. Located at the base of the Sky Tower, this casino opened in 1996. Others have come and gone since then, but SkyCity remains as the only one in existence in Auckland today. It incorporates over 2,100 pokies to play. Plus, with over 150 tables, you can have a fantastic time there. The addition of exclusive rooms for VIP players has seen many casino reviews list it as one of the best.

You can also travel to the top of the Sky Tower to get a 360-degree view of Auckland. Meanwhile, a 700-seat theatre and 23 bars make for excellent additions. Luxury accommodation comes from Auckland's three hotels - Skycity, The Grand and Horizon.

SkyCity Casino, Hamilton

In the north of New Zealand, Hamilton hosts its own SkyCity Casino. Opening in September 2002, the venue is on the banks of the Waikato River. Floor-to-ceiling glass ensures that visitors experience fantastic views while gaming. It incorporates over 300 pokies and 23 table games for you to enjoy. Plus, you can engage in mobile poker while on the casino floor if you so wish. VIP games also exist to access, like Salon 8.

Various restaurants and bars are accessible within. There is even a 10-pin bowling alley to play on, and the whole venue is open 24/7. It's a fantastic casino venue inside the former Chief Post Office of Hamilton. Don't delay with this one, as you could miss out on some fantastic gaming.

SkyCity Casino, Queenstown

One final SkyCity Casino is available in Queenstown. Found on Beach Street, this venue opened in December of 2000. It is not a 24/7 venue, instead operating between 11 am and midnight every day. Yet this doesn't take away from how attractive it is as a venue. It also serves as one of the biggest online casino sites, allowing you to gamble from your hotel. Inside the land-based establishment though, you can find all manner of games. This includes around 85 pokies, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more. Even a VIP room is accessible for those who are high rollers.

The Wild Thyme Bar and Kitchen offer fantastic blends of cuisines for you to savour. Meanwhile, you can also enjoy the SkyCity Premier Rewards. Through this, you can turn 'Points into Play', with bonus dollars turned into gaming credits. Should you visit for work, you may also suggest uniting in the casino's meeting room. Space for 60 people exists within, and you can have fun gaming afterwards!

Giuseppe Faraone

Giuseppe Faraone

Author & Online Gambling Expert

1139 Articles
Being so close to the action in iGaming, Giuseppe is on top of any new developments the minute they come through the door, as his book is testament to. Published in October 2022, his first book; The Untold Story of Online Gambling is available on Amazon.
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