SkyCity in New Zealand - The Complete Entertainment Package for Visiting Punters

New Zealand. The land of hobbits, bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, hiking, the Haka, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, kiwis, and, well, Kiwis (what people call locals!). But it also has something else on offer, SkyCity.

For those of you who are regulars on the Las Vegas Strip, Macao, or Atlantic City, New Zealand is a hidden gem of land-based casinos. SkyCity is one of the leading gambling companies in Australasia and the perfect casino to act as your city-hopper platform in New Zealand.

SkyCity has 19 restaurants, 12 bars, 755 hotel rooms, and over 3k gaming machines to choose from. It’s almost impossible to cover everything in a single trip (perfect for a re-visit). Let’s explore how you can do both NZ and SkyCity, the right way.

What sets SkyCity apart is that it offers both land-based establishments as well as a corresponding online option. It means that when you’re out in the middle of nowhere, staring at the stars, you can squeeze in a poker session before you tuck in.

It’s also the chosen online casino for Kiwis. And if it’s good enough for the locals, it’s good enough for us. You have all of the usual options you’re used to from the leading brands, thousands of games, the latest slots, and plenty of promotions for newbies and veterans alike.

The best casino in New Zealand is located in the country’s leading city, makes sense. SkyCity Auckland is both a Tower and Theatre, with an auditorium featuring 700+ seats and many bars, restaurants, and hotels. It’s the VIP experience you’re used to in places like Vegas.

If you’re coming from abroad, you’ll likely fly into Auckland. In addition to a SkyCity visit, there’s plenty to do in this major city:

Kayak to a Peaceful Island

New Zealand is all about the outdoors. Start your adventure off right by kayaking to Rangitoto Island, which sits on a dormant volcanic cone. It has ridiculously beautiful views, and is the perfect location for a BBQ as you enjoy the tranquil escape from the big city.

The Magic of Movie Making

Look, we’re geeks and proud of it. We love movies, and it just so happens that Auckland has a lot to offer when it comes to Hollywood. In Auckland, you can do the Wētā Workshop Unleashed experience, which gives you a behind-the-scenes look at all the movie magic Weta has been responsible for over the years.

The Island of Wine

AKA Waiheke Island. You can either go here for a couple of hours, or take it all in with a weekend retreat. It’s just 40 minutes from the CBD on a ferry, and it’s a stunning place to sample some of the best wines NZ has to offer.

Queenstown is known as the home of the adventurer, for those amongst you who like to live dangerously, but within a controlled environment. This place is perfect for getting that adrenaline rush, no question.

SkyCity has two homes in Queenstown, the iconic SkyCity Queenstown and SkyCity Wharf Casino, which is newer. They’re both relatively small establishments, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spend several days enjoying the fun of the bright lights.

And of course, you’re in Queenstown. There’s plenty of other stuff you can do:

• Bungee jumping. Some of the most iconic locations for bungee jumpers are based in Queenstown. The views are (almost) enough to make you forget you’re jumping from that far up.

• Walking trails. It’s not just heart-in-your-mouth moments in Queenstown. You can also find loads of hiking trail options, whether you’re looking for an afternoon of outdoor activities or a multi-day hike.

• Visit Arrowtown. Just 20 minutes from the centre of Queenstown, Arrowtown is NZ’s equivalent of an old Western town. It finds its roots in the gold rush of the 1860s and still gives those old 19th-century vibes.

The SkyCity casino based in Hamilton is your ideal springboard to one of the most fascinating regions of the country. It’s best known for the Hobbiton Movie Set, which gives tourists the chance to embed themselves in Bag End, have a drink at the Green Dragon Inn, and enjoy a dinner feat, Hobbit style.

Hamilton also offers more than just Middle Earth. The glow worms at Waitomo are a highlight, and the cycling trails are amongst the best in the country. And not to mention the usual big city attractions Hamilton has to offer.

Anything, no matter what it is, needs to be consumed in moderation. Even though both land-based and online casinos have enough to keep you busy for multiple lifetimes, we recommend limiting that dopamine hit overload by stepping back, taking a deep breath, and doing other fun stuff on top of your casino extravaganza.

SkyCity is perfectly located in New Zealand, a country with the most jaw-dropping scenery you can imagine. The locals are friendly, the wine and craft beer delicious, and the sun doesn’t often take a break. Whether it’s high-octane activities or a leisurely stroll down the Hobbiton Movie Set, NZ has plenty to offer.