SkyCity Queenstown review

Queenstown is one of the more popular destinations in New Zealand for tourists and the home of a fantastic casino. Here, you can enjoy several activities and find several casino games with great payouts.

SkyCity Queenstown Casino is located near the renowned Lake Wakatipu, with stunning views and attractions. The landscaping surrounding the casino is breathtaking, and you will enjoy the interior décor just as much. As one of two casinos in Queenstown, SkyCity Queenstown offers you an exceptional gambling experience and some remarkable forms of entertainment.

Besides playing popular casino games, you can grab dinner at the restaurant or have a drink at the bar. For an adult ready for adventure, the lakeside, hotels, and bars present a mix of nature and fun for weekends. With that in mind, let’s see if SkyCity Queenstown Casino is a destination to be with friends for night gaming.

SkyCity Queenstown can be found at Stratton House Level 2/16-24 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300.

By Amelia Smith - Updated 16/04/2024 - Estimated reading time: 8 minutes.

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SkyCity Queenstown review

An Overview of SkyCity Queenstown Casino

The casino opened in 2000 and, at the time, was the fourth largest casino to operate in New Zealand. Initially, it was owned in partnership and shared between SkyCity and Queenstown Casinos Limited. In 2012, SkyCity purchased the entire casino, transforming it into one of the world’s most thriving gambling locations.

Besides offering popular casino games, SkyCity Queenstown is known for being a major sponsor for a local hockey team. Its sponsorship also includes many awesome events in the region.

Unlike other casinos in New Zealand, SkyCity Queenstown is strictly a gambling location. It is not part of a resort. Hence, you must check out some hotels within walking distance of the casino for accommodations and restaurant services.

The lakeside does present an opportunity to find awesome events like water sports. Those could be refreshing moments of fun during the day while you prepare for the gaming tables and machines at night. The community where SkyCity Queenstown Casino is located makes up for the limited but exciting range of fun in the casino building.

This facility is not as large as others and may not offer all the amenities of a casino resort. Nevertheless, it remains a popular choice among friends to dash in for the weekend after a stressful week.

SkyCity Queenstown can be found at Stratton House, Level 2/16-24 Beach Street, Queenstown, 9300. It is at the heart of the Queenstown region, with hotels, parks, and mountain views. There is much fun to be had with your friends on the weekends.

Important Update about the SkyCity Wharf Casino

As of this writing, the younger sibling of SkyCity Queenstown, SkyCity Wharf Casino, remains closed. There is no update on a future reopening date.

The SkyCity Queenstown Casino Gaming Floor

If you are up for your favourite table games, SkyCity Queenstown Casino is open from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily. It runs from Monday to Sunday, week in and week out, from January to December. The exceptions are Christmas Day in December, Good Friday, and between 12 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Anzac Day.

In addition to 86 gaming machines for an exciting range of games and denominations, the casino packs several table variants. The popular ones include roulette, blackjack, Midi Baccarat, and Caribbean Stud Poker.

One of the great things about playing at SkyCity Queenstown Casino is the learn-to-play brochures that are available. These can benefit new punters, as they will explain the rules of each game in the gaming area. Also, you can contact the support team for help on the gaming machines and tables.

This support service is handy if you plan to hit the tables and play card games on the gaming floor. The support team can also provide tips and strategy advice on certain games.

The Game Selection at SkyCity Queenstown Casino

The 86 gaming machines take up most of the gaming floor, and you will find over 90 game selections on hand. These can include the latest and greatest video slot selections, standard three-reel games, and some video poker and roulette options. Most importantly, they all offer affordable betting options and some great payout opportunities.

SkyCity Queenstown Casino has expanded its eight gaming tables to 12. This mix contains favourite table games like classic blackjack, roulette, Midi Baccarat, and Caribbean Stud Poker. The poker variants also provide an exciting range of entertainment options for New Zealand players.

Get ready to enjoy a night on the town while at the tables! SkyCity Queenstown may only offer 12 gaming tables, but you will find all the casino classics.

SkyCity Queenstown gaming floor

View of the gaming floor at SkyCity Queenstown.

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SkyCity Queenstown Casino Promotions and Rewards

SkyCity Queenstown Casino offers a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Hence, it includes some promotions to boost the gameplay on its 86 gaming machines and tables.

Being a land casino allows SkyCity Queenstown to take its rewards beyond gaming. You can get great food for lunch or dinner. That adds to the live entertainment fun of roulette, blackjack, Midi Baccarat, and Caribbean Stud Poker.

SkyCity Queenstown Casino offers cash rewards on its 86 gaming machines. These promotions run from Monday to Sunday, provided you are a member of the Premier Rewards program. The latter is the casino’s primary reward, with full access to the live entertainment options, including roulette and blackjack.

The Premier Rewards

Join this program to receive a Premier Rewards card. Present the card every time you visit the casino to earn a Premier point for every $1 bet.

The reward is available day and night and covers your bets on the 86 gaming machines, blackjack, roulette, Midi Baccarat, and Caribbean Stud Poker.

Accumulate up to 100 Premier points, and you can exchange them for $1. Also, the points will be valid for six months after earning them. Play your favourite table games and stack up points for yourself.

Besides exchanging the Premier points for cash, you can use them on food and beverage discounts. Have your fill at the restaurant before heading to the casino floor to face the 86 gaming machines and your favourite table games.

The SkyCity Queenstown Casino Premier Rewards program uses a tier system. You’ll have the following rewards for each tier:

Ruby

  • Premier points are available for spending across the site.
  • Participate in exclusive promotions and prize draws.

Sapphire

  • A 15% discount on food and beverages.
  • Premier points are available for spending across the site.
  • Birthday gift for more fun.

Gold

  • A 20% discount for the restaurant.
  • Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Full access to the site.

Platinum

  • A 30% discount for the restaurant.
  • Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages for you and one guest.
  • Invitations to invite-only events.
  • Access to the EIGHT and Platinum room.
  • Full access to the site.

If you want to go beyond the average gaming floor, climb to the platinum level. You’ll need an invitation to get there and enjoy live entertainment at its peak. The Midi Baccarat and Caribbean Stud Poker will be more exciting on this level.

SkyCity Queenstown from outside

View of the SkyCity Queenstown entrance from outside.

Grab a Bite at the Wild Thyme Bar and Kitchen

SkyCity Queenstown Casino is not among the world’s largest land casinos. The same holds in its immediate region, New Zealand. Hence, you won't find as many restaurants and bars as larger venues.

The Wild Thyme Bar and Kitchen is the casino’s primary offering for restaurant services. Lunch and dinner options are available before and after playing the live entertainment games. You can also arrange special lunch deals with good drinks to keep you on edge without being intoxicated.

Eat to your satisfaction at the restaurant and have a drink at the fantastic bar. Regardless of your taste, the Wild Thyme Bar and Kitchen has something to satisfy you. The unique menu items include croquet monsieur, Thai beef salad, lamb shank, mince and toast apps, and char-grilled Angus rump.

Lunch is served from noon until 4 pm, and dinner is available from 6 pm until 10 pm. After those times, you can enjoy bar snacks from midnight until the venue closes.

The snack menu offers perfect-sized selections for late-night gamblers, and you will find the prices reasonable. Some snacks include calamari, smoked chicken, paninis, chicken wings, fries, onion rings, and various flatbread pizza selections.

Responsible Gaming at SkyCity Queenstown Casino

You must be an adult of 20 years of age or older to join SkyCity Queenstown Casino. Documents you will present include a New Zealand or overseas passport, a driver’s license, or any government-issued ID.

Age limits, self-exclusion, and third-party exclusion are the primary responsible gaming tools at SkyCity Queenstown Casino. You are allowed the option to self-exclude. However, the SkyCity Queenstown Casino authorities can step in if there is any refusal to self-exclude despite evidence of addiction.

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Conclusion

SkyCity Queenstown Casino has a strategic location in the world. It might not be a resort center, but it's easy to find awesome events to occupy your time. The strategic location opens you to water sports and mountain views.

Play games on the casino floor, earn Premier points, and enjoy an exciting range of rewards. Enjoy stellar restaurant service at the Wild Thyme Bar and Kitchen. SkyCity Queenstown Casino is worth checking out for exciting entertainment options, a fantastic bar, and a stellar restaurant.

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Frequently Asked Questions - SkyCity Queenstown Casino

Will SkyCity Queenstown Casino open on public holidays?

The casino remains open from Mon to Sun, week in and week out. That includes public holidays.

Can I dine at the Wild Thyme Bar?

The Wild Thyme Bar is the casino’s exclusive restaurant service. You can also buy drinks, including alcoholic beverages.

What is the Premier Rewards program at SkyCity Queenstown Casino?

The Premier Rewards program is the casino’s bonus package. You will earn one point for every $1 bet.

Author: Amelia Smith

Amelia Smith

Amelia Smith knows a lot about different areas of gambling. She's been our main writer for most things since 2019. She spoke at a big conference in London in 2022 and has been recognized at several industry events.

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Article published 25/02/2018

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