New Zealand currently has 5 active land-based casinos located in Auckland, Hamilton, Queenstown, Christchurch, and Dunedin. This guide lists all casinos, key details, and historical context including the closure of SkyCity Wharf Casino in 2019.
List of active casinos
| Casino Name | Location | Phone Number | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skycity Auckland | Auckland | +64 9 363 6000 | Skycity Entertainment Group |
| Skycity Hamilton | Hamilton | +64 7 834 4900 | Skycity Entertainment Group |
| Skycity Queenstown | Queenstown | +64 3 441 0400 | Skycity Entertainment Group |
| Christchurch Casino | Christchurch | +64 3 365 9999 | Skyline Enterprises |
| Grand Casino | Dunedin | +64 3 477 4545 | Dunedin Casino Limited |
Casino details (SkyCity Auckland, etc.)
New Zealand had 6 land-based casinos until 2019 which was the year Skycity closed down Wharf casino so nowdays New Zealand has 5 land-based casinos. The very largest is Skycity Auckland with over 2,100 games, the first to open was Christchurch casino which opened in 1994 and the last to open was Skycity Hamilton Casino, which officially opened its doors on September 20, 2002.
Here are all state-owned land-based casinos in New Zealand including Wharf casino that is closed down:
- SkyCity Hamilton
- SkyCity Queenstown casino
- Grand Casino New Zealand
- Christchurch Casino
- SkyCity Auckland casino
1. SkyCity Hamilton casino
Location: Hamilton
Operator: SkyCity Entertainment Group
SkyCity Hamilton is a mid-sized casino offering a mix of gaming machines, table games, and entertainment in central Hamilton.
Highlights: 330+ machines, 24/7 opening hours, central location.
2. Skycity Queenstown casino
Location: Queenstown
Operator: SkyCity Entertainment Group
SkyCity Queenstown is a boutique-style casino located in the tourism hub of Queenstown.
Highlights: Table games, small gaming floor, tourist-focused venue.
3. Grand Casino (Dunedin)
Location: Dunedin
Operator: Dunedin Casino Limited
Grand Casino Dunedin is a centrally located casino known for its classic gaming floor and hospitality venues.
Highlights: 180+ machines, table games, bar & restaurant.
4. Christchurch Casino
Location: Christchurch
Operator: Skyline Enterprises
Christchurch Casino is a central South Island casino offering a wide selection of table games and electronic gaming machines.
Highlights: 500+ machines, restaurants, central city location.
5. Skycity Auckland casino
Location: Auckland
Operator: SkyCity Entertainment Group
SkyCity Auckland is the largest land-based casino in New Zealand, located in the Sky Tower complex in central Auckland.
Highlights: 2,000+ gaming machines, table games, restaurants, entertainment complex.
History of casino development in NZ
- 1994 – Christchurch Casino becomes the first land-based casino in New Zealand.
- 1996–2002 – SkyCity expands with major venues in Auckland, Hamilton, and Queenstown.
- 2013 – SkyCity acquires the Wharf Casino in Queenstown, operating it as a boutique venue.
- 2019 – SkyCity Wharf Casino permanently closes due to lease and operational constraints. (read more about SkyCity Wharf Casino closure)
- Today – New Zealand operates 5 active land-based casinos, with no new physical casino developments since the early 2000s.
Location of all New Zealand land-based casinos
Land-based casinos in New Zealand are located in five cities: Auckland, Hamilton, Queenstown, Christchurch, and Dunedin.
All major casinos are operated either by SkyCity Entertainment Group or licensed regional operators
Benefits of land-based casinos
Land-based casinos in New Zealand offer a traditional gaming experience that differs from online platforms.
Key benefits include:
- A physical casino environment and atmosphere
- On-site entertainment such as restaurants, bars, and events
- Social interaction with other players and dealers
While online casinos provide convenience and accessibility, land-based casinos remain focused on in-person entertainment and hospitality experiences.
FAQ
How many land-based casinos are there in New Zealand?
New Zealand currently has 5 active land-based casinos.
How old do you have to be to play at landbased casinos in NZ?
You have to be at least 20 years. To play online you only need to be 18 at most off-shore casinot but if you want to play at SKycity online or Christchurch casino you still need be to at least 20 years old.
What is the biggest casino in New Zealand?
The biggest casino in New Zealand is Skycity Auckland, which is located in Auckland and has over 2,100 gaming machines and 150 table games. It also has two hotels, several restaurants and bars, and a convention center.New Zealand currently has 5 active land-based casinos located in Auckland, Hamilton, Queenstown, Christchurch, and Dunedin. This guide lists all casinos, key details, and historical context including the closure of SkyCity Wharf Casino in 2019.
This overview focuses on currently active land-based casinos in New Zealand. The market has remained stable since 2019, with no new physical casino openings and continued regulatory focus shifting toward online gambling frameworks.