Land-Based Casinos in New Zealand – Top Casino Venues
New Zealand may only have a handful of land-based casinos, but, as you’ll soon see, these venues deliver some pretty impressive gambling experiences – along with dining and entertainment!
From the iconic SkyCity Auckland to the scenic SkyCity Queenstown, these land-based casinos offer world-class facilities with unmistakable Kiwi hospitality… and whether you’re looking for high-stakes tables, relaxed pokies to enjoy – or a complete resort experience, this guide covers all of the major New Zealand casino venues.
SkyCity Auckland
Arguably the best known of the land-based casinos in New Zealand, SkyCity Auckland is the country’s largest land-based gambling establishment. Located directly beneath the Sky Tower, it features over 2,000 gaming machines and more than 150 table games, offering everything from blackjack and roulette to high-limit VIP tables.
Its central location makes it a popular destination for both locals and tourists – and alongside its gambling facilities SkyCity Auckland also offers a comprehensive entertainment complex!
Visitors can stay at one of two luxury hotels, enjoy award-winning restaurants, and even enjoy live shows and events, all year round! The land-based casino is also integrated with the Sky Tower, too – offering panoramic views and fine dining!
SkyCity Hamilton
Located along the Waikato River, SkyCity Hamilton offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to its Auckland sister land-based casino. The casino floor offers a huge range of pokies, electronic games, and traditional tables – and it accommodates both casual and experienced players.
While most land-based casinos in New Zealand offer entertainment options today, SkyCity Hamilton also offers some of the best sports facilities in the country! This, combined with a vibrant selection of bars – and even a ten-pin bowling alley – make it a favourite spot for groups and nights out!
Christchurch Casino
Christchurch land-based casino was New Zealand’s first-ever casino, opening its doors all the way back in 1994. Over the years, it has built a reputation as one of the country’s most popular gambling establishments – offering a superb range of casino games and pokies.
Christchurch Casino is also one of the most prestigious casinos in Australasia – and it offers everything from in-house restaurants and bars, to regular live entertainment! Their croupiers are incredibly well-drained, and you’ll find a mixture of both locals and tourists – especially at weekends.
Dunedin Casino
Dunedin Casino is located inside the newly-restored Southern Cross Hotel building – and it offers what’s known as a “boutique gaming experience” – one that’s very rich in history and complete with plenty of charm, too! The elegant Victorian-style architecture gives the venue a unique atmosphere, and while the game range isn’t the biggest – it still offers a solid variety of pokies and casino table games.
Despite being smaller than the major SkyCity land-based casinos, Dunedin Casino focuses on quality over quantity – and you’ll notice the establishment’s attention to detail from the second you walk through the doors.
SkyCity Queenstown
Last but not least is SkyCity Queenstown – located right in the heart of New Zealand’s adventure capital! SkyCity Queenstown offers some of the best natural beauty alongside live gaming – and while it’s smaller than its sister casinos in Auckland and Hamilton, it offers a still-impressive selection of table games and pokies. Plus, its central location makes it easy to visit after a day of exploring Queenstown’s mountains and lakes.
The casino’s atmosphere is relaxed yet sophisticated, and while you won’t find the upper-class fine dining establishments you get in Auckland, guests can enjoy drinks and snacks while gambling – making it an ideal land-based casino for both travellers looking to unwind and locals looking for an exciting evening out.
Land-Based Casinos vs Online Casinos
While land-based casinos offer atmosphere, excitement, and social connection – in ways you can’t really get online – online casinos have become immensely popular, largely due to their popularity and accessibility.
Many New Zealanders now enjoy both: visiting land-based casinos for the excitement of live, in-person gaming, while playing online pokies or table games from home when they want flexibility!
While it’s true that land-based New Zealand casino venues offer real dealers, luxury dining, and, sometimes, entertainment, online casinos in New Zealand offer you the chance to enjoy thousands of games – anywhere, anytime – often with bigger bonuses and higher payout percentages.
Regardless of whether you prefer the lights and sounds of a real casino floor or the comfort of playing on your phone – New Zealand has something for everyone, as this page has shown!
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