There is something about land-based casinos that brings out the social butterfly in us all. Is it the bustling sounds of pokie machines? The warm and welcoming smiles of the croupiers? Or is it the ambience of it all? You are in for a treat if you are eager to try your luck at a casino in New Zealand.
This is the lowdown on the best places to roll the dice and spin the reels, from the centre of Auckland to the breathtaking scenery of Queenstown. There are a total of five brick-and-mortar casinos in the country. So, pack up your dice and let us take you on this ride around the best land-based casinos that NZ has to offer!
Christchurch Casino
Christchurch Casino comes first. Originally opened in 1994, this was the OG, the first land-based casino in New Zealand. Situated in Christchurch, it is a little mythological. You’re covered if you enjoy Baccarat, Poker, Blackjack, or Roulette—they have more than 40 table games. To further increase your chances of landing a win, there are over 500 slot machines. You can have a great evening out at Christchurch Casino whether you’re a high roller or not.
SkyCity Auckland
Located right in the heart of the city, SkyCity Auckland is a vibrant complex offering a wide range of entertainment and hospitality options. Established in February 1996, this four-star hotel is part of the SkyCity complex, a miniature city within a metropolis. The complex features the iconic Sky Tower, the Sky City Theatre with a 700-seat auditorium, numerous bars and restaurants, and three hotels, one of which opened in 2021.
The casino, last refurbished in 2006, boasts approximately 2,100 games, including over 2,000 pokies and more than 150 table games, along with rooms dedicated to VIP and high-stakes gamblers. With around-the-clock operations, you’ll never run out of things to do. Whether you’re gambling, dining, or enjoying a show, SkyCity Auckland offers a full evening of excitement and entertainment.
SkyCity Hamilton
Drop down to Hamilton to find the SkyCity Hamilton Casino. The place was opened in 2000. Its selection of table games and slot machines is respectable, albeit smaller than that of its Auckland equivalent: Hamilton has 20+ tables and over 300 slot machines. If you want to experience the excitement of a casino but in a more laid-back atmosphere, this is a terrific place.
Dunedin Casino
Tucked away in the old Grand Hotel, down in Dunedin, is the Dunedin Casino, opened 25 years ago. This location has a little bit of Monte Carlo flair and old-world charm. If you want to inject some history and sophistication into your gambling, their selection of table games and slot machines is great, though slightly limited compared to other options. Here, you will find the most popular table games and around 180 pokie machines.
SkyCity Queenstown
Staying in Queenstown, there’s also SkyCity Queenstown Casino, operating since the year 2000. Right in the heart of town, this casino offers 10+ table games, including the VIP ones, and 80+ slot machines. It’s not just about gambling – they’ve got some sweet dining and entertainment options, too. So, if you’re planning a night out, SkyCity Queenstown is a solid choice for a bit of everything.
Conclusion
Here they are, the top Kiwi land-based casinos to help you plan your merry route! There is a casino waiting to provide you with an amazing night out, whether you are in Christchurch, Auckland, Hamilton, Dunedin, or Queenstown. Most of them are owned by the SkyCity Entertainment Group.
There is a place for you, whether you like the bustle of a large complex or a more laid-back ambiance with amazing views because each one has a different vibe. Take some of your bros, have fun with the games, and you never know, you might strike it lucky!
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).
A former professional poker player turned data guru, Mark Dash has devoted the past 16 years to decoding the numbers behind New Zealand’s online-casino scene. A PGDipJ graduate of Massey University, he now heads our analytics team, where he rates NZ casino sites, audits bonus conditions and models RTP performance. Mark’s expertise is reinforced by advanced training in gambling statistics and responsible-gaming practices.
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