The Best 6 Pubs to Play Pokies in Nelson City
Nelson is a city located at the top of the South Island of New Zealand. It’s the second oldest settled city in the country and the second oldest in South Island in New Zealand. The Nelson City Council Gambling Venue Policy regulates pokies in Nelson City.
It regulates the number and location of Class 4 gaming machines and TAB venues within the Nelson District. The policy was adopted in December 2018. This policy has to be reviewed on a regular basis under the Gambling Act 2003 and the Racing Industry Act 2020.
A total number of 162 electronic gaming machines (EGMs) are allowed to operate in the district and this limit can’t be exceeded. Once the maximum number of machines is reached, no new gaming machines can be introduced unless existing ones are removed.
Here you can find many pokies lovers. If you are one of them or have plans to visit this wonderful city, here is the list of the top venues with pokies in Nelson City.
Top Pokies Lounges In Nelson City
1. The Turf Hotel
- Address – 228 Songer St, Stoke, Nelson, 7010
- Phone – 03 5477791
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – Till Late
The Turf Hotel is a locally owned and operated place to experience a restaurant, pokies gaming machines, darts, and TAB all in one location. It is just 5 minutes away from the airport.
It features a Sports Bar, Garden Bar, and BBQ Area, with live sports and plenty of big-screen TVs to watch them on. The average price range per person is between $20 to $30.
Players’ responses are very positive about the pokies, sports bar, pool, poker, and TAB. In addition to gaming machines and a restaurant, it also offers accommodation with comfy beds and clean suites.
2. Hardy’s Bar and TAB Nelson
Hardy’s Bar & TAB is a small bar featuring a bar, TAB, and pokies. Despite not being a large venue, it offers a cosy atmosphere with 18 pokie machines, a self-service TAB, and a TAB terminal behind the bar.
The gaming and food area may not be the most classy, but it serves its purpose well.
Overall, Hardy’s Bar is a great place to hang out with friends and family, especially on a Saturday morning from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. It is conveniently located near Montgomery Square, where the Farmer’s Market is held every Saturday and Sunday. (Car boot sales are also a great way to find a bargain.)
The bar is opposite Montgomery Square, where the Farmers Market is held on Saturday and Sunday.
It is also near the Atkins Gallery, Nelson’s Provincial Museum, Central School, and Saltwater Creek. Some streets near the sports bar are Rutherford, Kerr, Trafalgar, Nile, Bridge, Collingwood, Hardy, Kerr, Donnett, and St. Vincents Street.
It’s also just an 8-minute walk to Queens Park, so it’s a decent place for drinks or food before or after a visit to the park.
Pokies and TAB at Hardy’s Bar
The gaming lounge facility is quite popular among locals; 18 gaming machines have been installed.
The gaming machines are located in separate rooms so players can gamble without being disturbed by others and vice versa.
The gaming lounge features a blue sofa where gamblers can relax in comfort. The bar is famous for sports betting and is the best TAB in Nelson. It has a self-service TAB where gamblers can place their bets and win a few bucks, well, hopefully.
3. The 623 Cafe, Bar, and Restaurant
623 Restaurant and Bar is located at 221 Hardy Street, Nelson, 7010. It operates as a café, bar, and restaurant, offering a variety of food and drink options.
Gaming Machines & TAB
The venue has nine gaming machines available for customers. However, there is no mention of TAB facilities being offered on-site.
Ambience & Facilities
623 Restaurant and Bar provides indoor and outdoor seating, including an alfresco dining area. It hosts live music events and has a private function area for gatherings. The venue serves a mix of food and drinks, including specialty brews, cocktails, and a premium wine selection.
Nelson City Area’s Best Pokies
The 623 Cafe, Bar, and Restaurant has 18 of the most modern and popular pokie machines in one of the best pokies gaming lounges in the Nelson CBD area.
This is warm, friendly, cool, and chic. The 623 Cafe, Bar, and Restaurant is always ready to provide urban hospitality. Visitors and locals turn into regulars after a drink or a meal here.
4. O’Shedigans Bar Nelson
- Address: 137 Bridge Street, Nelson 7010
- Opening hours – 1 pm–3 am
O’Shedigans is a bar located at 137 Nelson, New Zealand. It is well known for hosting poker tournaments, live sports, and other entertainment events. The venue frequently organizes poker nights, including buy-in tournaments with re-entry options and special events like birthday-themed games with bar tab bounties.
Apart from poker, the bar offers gaming machines, pool tables, darts, and drink specials such as happy hour deals on Sundays. They also have karaoke nights and are open seven days a week, with late-night hours extending until 3 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
O’Shedigans Bar has a 4.2-star rating from 21 visitors on Google Reviews. Located in central Nelson, it is a sports bar and gaming venue that features pokies. The bar has a modern look and offers entertainment options such as a pool table, pokies, and DJ music.
However, it is a small bar, and while the atmosphere is decent during normal hours, it livens up with its entertainment offerings.
6. Wakatu Hotel
Address: 83 Collingwood Street, Nelson 7010- Phone: 03 548 4299
For Wakatu locals and visitors, the Wakatu Hotel has a welcoming pub with an iconic colonial atmosphere. The venue is ideal for families, a bunch of friends, office colleagues, and couples too.
It makes for an ideal base location to explore the many exciting attractions in Nelson. As the city is adjacent to three of the best national parks in New Zealand, you can explore their flora and fauna while staying at this hotel in absolute comfort.
In addition, you can also be involved in outdoor activities such as swimming, trekking, fishing, diving, yachting, and mountain biking in this area. In addition to drinks and meals, the pub also offers accommodation at great rates.
The rooms are well-appointed and clean and deliver great value for your money. The staff also strives to make them as homely as possible for guests’ comfort.
With superior rooms at super rates, a grand dining section, a sports bar, and pokies gaming facilities, the Wakatu Hotel delivers all you need under one roof. It’s a great central point for visiting three of New Zealand’s best National Parks and local Nelson attractions.
As a guest, you can dine at the Sports Bar or the resident restaurant. The Sports Bar provides an exciting venue where fans can watch their favourite players and teams on big-screen TVs.
Pokies gaming
As a pokie lover, you can have 18 pokie machines that will surely put a smile on your dial. This is one of the best 6 VIP lounges to play pokies in Nelson City.
With excellent rooms at super rates, a terrific dining section, a sports bar, and pokies gaming facilities, the Wakatu Hotel delivers all you need to be located under one roof. It’s a great central point for visiting three of New Zealand’s best National Parks and local Nelson attractions.
Conclusion
The charming city of Nelson, known for its historical significance as the second oldest in New Zealand, has several inviting places to indulge in pokies entertainment.
Nelson City has 9 venues with gaming machines as of December 2023. Compared to other major cities in New Zealand:
- Auckland has the highest number of venues, but detailed figures are segmented by local board areas.
- Christchurch has 76 venues, making it a major hub for pokie gaming.
- Wellington has 35 venues, significantly more than Nelson but far fewer than Christchurch.
Nelson’s pokie scene is relatively small compared to these larger cities, with fewer venues available for gaming
See also Where To Play Pokies In Rotorua, New Zealand?
FAQs
What makes Nelson City a popular destination for pokies enthusiasts?
Nelson City boasts a selection of top-notch pokies lounges catering to locals and tourists. These venues offer diverse gaming experiences, making it a desirable location for those looking for entertainment and excitement.
What types of venues are included in the list of top pokies lounges?
The list includes a variety of venues, such as nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and hotels, each with its unique atmosphere and offerings for pokies enthusiasts.
Are these pokies lounges suitable for different types of visitors, including families?
Many of these venues are family-friendly and cater to a diverse audience. Some offer dining options, private event hosting, and even accommodation, making them suitable for families, friends, couples, and colleagues.
What gaming options can visitors expect at these pokies lounges?
Visitors can enjoy a selection of modern pokie machines at these lounges, ranging from 8 to 18 machines per venue. These gaming machines offer various themes, features, and chances to win prizes.
Are there any additional attractions or amenities at these venues?
Yes, some of these venues offer more than just pokies gaming. Many provide TAB facilities for sports betting, big-screen TVs for entertainment, and private event hosting for special occasions.
Are these pokie lounges conveniently located in Nelson City?
These lounges are strategically located in the heart of Nelson City, making them easily accessible to locals and tourists. They are often in proximity to popular attractions and landmarks.
Are there any specific events or promotions at these venues?
Yes, some venues host events like pool competitions, and others offer promotions like loyalty programs or special competitions with cash prizes, enhancing the overall experience for visitors.
Can visitors enjoy dining options at these pokies lounges?
Most of these venues offer dining options ranging from casual snacks to full-course meals, providing a well-rounded experience for visitors seeking gaming and culinary delights.
Do these pokies lounges cater to various preferences in terms of ambience?
Yes, the pokies lounges vary in ambience, from lively nightclubs to relaxed bars and restaurants, ensuring that visitors can find a setting that suits their mood and preferences.
What makes Nelson City a desirable destination beyond pokies entertainment?
Nelson City offers a lot more than just pokies lounges. Its historical significance, proximity to national parks, outdoor activities, and local arts and crafts scene make it a well-rounded exploration destination.
