SkyCity Casino Queenstown Full Review

Written by Alex Smith |
Reviewed by Sophia Novakivska
 | 
Our Casinos Are: Verified, Safe & Licensed, Tested.

Located in the heart of New Zealand’s adventure capital, the SkyCity Queenstown Casino is where you’ll find an upscale – yet relaxed – gaming atmosphere. While it’s smaller than SkyCity Auckland or SkyCity Hamilton, it does a superb job of capturing the essence of Queenstown, we feel – and you’ll enjoy premium entertainment surrounded by world-class hotels, dining, and entertainment!

So, whether you’re here for gaming, cocktails, or a complete Queenstown stay and play experience, SkyCity Queenstown offers a great night out for both locals and tourists. Learn all about the establishment in this review!

Key Details

Location16–24 Beach Street, Queenstown
Opening Hours11:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Friday & Saturday until 3:00 AM)
GamesTable games, pokies, private gaming area
Dress CodeSmart casual
Minimum Age20 years

Queenstown Casino Accommodation: Where to Stay

skycity queenstown

Does SkyCity Queenstown Have a Hotel?

Unlike SkyCity Auckland, SkyCity Queenstown does not have its own on-site hotel. However, it partners with several nearby accommodation providers, offering you the chance to stay within minutes of the casino at discounted rates. This means it’s actually pretty easy for visitors to take advantage of a tailored Queenstown accommodation package.

Top Hotels Near the Casino for “Stay and Play”

The area surrounding the casino is filled with world-class hotels, from boutique lodges to high-end resorts. You’ll find everything from options like The Sofitel Queenstown, Novotel Lakeside, and The Heritage, to budget-friendly options and more – ideal for those seeking casino hotels Queenstown experiences.

The Boutique Gaming Floor

skycity queenstown casino

SkyCity Queenstown’s gaming area is small, there’s no denying that – especially when compared to larger establishments like Christchurch Casino or Dunedin Casino.

Still, you will find a great range of classic casino table games, electronic machines, and even private gaming rooms – the latter of which are available for VIP guests and high rollers. There is also a small yet sufficient selection of pokies to enjoy.

Food & Drink: Wild Thyme Bar

Wild Thyme Bar is basically the central food and drinks location at SkyCity Queenstown, and here, you can enjoy mixed cocktails, regional wines, and a variety of light meals inspired by New Zealand’s seasonal ingredients. 

Whether you’re winding down after a day of skiing or gearing up for a night on the gaming floor, Wild Thyme likely has a suitable dish (or drink) for you!

SkyCity Premier Rewards Programme

skycity queenstown casino pokies

Regular visitors can take advantage of the SkyCity Premier Rewards Programme, which is shared across all SkyCity land-based casinos in New Zealand. Once you’re a member (it’s free to join by the way) you’ll be able to earn points on your gaming, dining, and drinks spending – with access to exclusive offers, birthday rewards, and tier-based benefits.

SkyCity Premier Rewards Programme members can also enjoy discounted parking rates and special offers at local restaurants and hotels.

Essential Visitor Information: Hours & Location

SkyCity Queenstown is located on Beach Street, just steps from the waterfront and surrounded by top restaurants and hotels. The casino is open daily until late, and on weekends its opening hours are extended. You must be age 20+ to enter. A smart casual dress code applies.

Our Verdict: A Central Hub for Queenstown Gaming

SkyCity Queenstown may be small, but it’s polished, welcoming – and a perfect place for visitors who want a complete and comprehensive Queenstown casino experience!

We love the fact that the casino is located right on the edge of some of the country’s most stunning natural beauty – and the influx of hotels, restaurants, and bars nearby ensures there’s something for everyone – at every time of day (or night!)

Gambling addiction warning

Gambling is a fun activity that isn't intended to be used for financial gain. Chasing losses and expecting to win are two main behaviors that may lead to gambling addiction with dire consequences on your life. If you feel like you have a problem, stop immediately, read our Responsible Gambling page, and seek help. Problem Gambling Foundation offers free and confidential support to anyone affected by problem gambling in New Zealand.

Written by
Alex Smith
12 years experience Lead editor and writer

Alex Smith is the lead editor and writer at DashTickets, specializing in online casino and sports betting content for New Zealand players. With over 12 years of iGaming experience, including a tenure as Head of Editorial at Casinomeister, Alex is renowned for his accurate, fair, and player-first writing style. His in-depth reviews and guides provide clear, trustworthy information to help readers make confident decisions.

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Reviewed by
Sophia Novakivska
10 years experience Pokies & Live Games Specialist

Sophia Novakivska has 10 years of experience in online gambling. For the past decade, Kyiv-trained linguist Sophia Novakivska has analysed everything from slot algorithms to live-dealer probabilities. Her bylines appear on Better Collective, AskGamblers and Gambling.com, and she specialises in NZ bonus clauses, slot maths and live-game odds. Sophia’s credentials include GLI University’s iGaming testing & compliance course (2020) and UKGC-approved Responsible Gambling certification (2022).

Expert on: slots online pokies casino bonuses

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