5 Board Games That Every Kiwi Must Try In NZ

Table of Contents
In the past decade, several board games NZ have been introduced to online casino games in various guises. Of course, while some retain their original format, others have had to be more innovative to make them playable for real money. Here are 5 Best Board Games You Must Try.
With so many to choose from, picking your next tabletop investment can be a daunting process. To help you find your next game night mainstay, we’ve developed a list of the best board games available to buy and play right now. Regardless of the count of players, genre, theme, or mechanics; these are the best board games NZ that we think deserve a spot on anyone’s shelf. You might have a preference when it comes to the specifics. Not all like board games about worldwide disease outbreaks – but there’s sure to be something to take your fancy here.
From co-op games that bring players together for a shared goal; to party games that infuse some energy into a gathering to deeper experiences that test the mind; our picks of the top board games contain a suitable title for any number of situations. Many themes are accounted for too, with board games based around high-fantasy adventure; space exploration; espionage; cosmic horror; and birdwatching – to name but a few.
Whenever you get stuck with a chilling day and no friends to play poker with – try out these five board games worth a wager.
Here are 5 Best Board Games You Must Try at Least Once
1. Home board games NZ

In this conventional game, you can convert the scoring system of the game into real money by having control of the risks and stakes. For instance, in the Monopoly board game, each player gets an initial bank of 1500. You can adjust the game by scaling down everything to your level like cutting down the initial bank by 100% to 10, meaning Park Lane’s price would drop from 350 to 3.50. This is one of the 5 Best Board Games You Must try.
2. Backgammon

This is one of the most delicate conventional board games in the world, delivering a unique blend of entertainment, skill, strategy, and gambling potential. In many ways, the features of Backgammon are similar to online poker. However, poker especially online isn’t played on a board, whereas backgammon is.
This board game has got a lot of traction in online casinos as it is played with some real strategy and skill. In addition, different natures of online backgammon exist, which include playing against the computer, backgammon tournaments, and gaming 1-1 against other players.
Features of Backgammon
Backgammon is also termed Narde, tavla, Tavli, or Tabula. It is a two players board game that involves a combination of strategy and luck, due to rolling dice. The objective of this game is to remove all of one’s own playing pieces from the board before the opponent can do the same. While the dice can ascertain the outcome of a single game, the strategy is what separates the good and the better players over a series of games.
Better to learn the ropes, work on your tactics and unlock amazing achievements. Experience thrilling matches through global online matchmaking or hone your skills versus the computer. Challenge your friends and family members offline or online regardless of their phone or operating system. You can play with great multiplayer modes – as long as the game is available on their phone you can play together!
Why Kiwis Choose Backgammon?
- Rich history – Backgammon has a fascinating history that spans over 5,000 years. It has been played by ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, making it a game with a deep cultural heritage.
- Strategic gameplay – Backgammon requires players to employ strategic thinking and planning. It involves making calculated decisions on how to move the checkers on the board, when to hit or block the opponent’s pieces, and how to maximize the use of available resources.
- Element of luck – While strategy plays a significant role, Backgammon also incorporates an element of luck through the roll of the dice. The randomness of the dice adds an exciting and unpredictable aspect to the game, creating opportunities for unexpected turnarounds and thrilling comebacks.
- Versatile game – Backgammon offers a versatile gaming experience suitable for players of all skill levels. Backgammon can be enjoyed at various skill levels.
Play Backgammon now for free!
With the right strategy, tactics, and observation skills you will eventually find yourself amongst the top players of the LITE Games community and earn yourself a spot in the global leaderboards. Can you make it?
The Backgammon board game is offered in high-quality localization in the following languages: English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish & Russian.
The game is perfect for fans of Checkers, Othello, or Mills and offers a strategic challenge for beginners as well as experienced veterans.
3. Mahjong

This ancient game of Mahjong has been in vogue for thousands of years; reaching out to the West from its origins in the Far East. If you can’t visit the best casino in Macau to experience it in person; you can easily play it at home. The amazing pleasure of Mahjong board games free can be enjoyed in several online casinos; with so many versions that will let you play solo or you can participate in multiplayer games and competitions.
Mahjong is an enormously popular Chinese game of strategy, skill, and summation. The classic version of the game uses 136 tiles and requires you to make identical sets from these tiles.
Gameplay Mechanics of Mahjong
- Four players – Mahjong is played with four players, creating an engaging social experience.
- 144 tiles – The game requires a set of 144 tiles, featuring different characters, symbols, and numbers.
- Two dice – Two dice are used to determine the starting point and order of play.
- Matching sets and pairs – The goal of mahjong is to create matching sets and pairs with the tiles.
- Sets – A set consists of three or four identical tiles or three consecutive tiles, known as “melds.” It can be formed using tiles from your own hand or by claiming discarded tiles from other players.
- Pairs – A pair is formed by having two identical tiles, often referred to as “eyes.” Pairs cannot be claimed from other players’ discards.
- Winning condition – To win the game, a player must form four sets and one pair, known as a complete hand. Once a player has a complete hand, they can declare “mahjong!” to indicate their victory.
- Shouting “Mahjong!” – When a player knows they have a winning hand, they can shout “Mahjong!” to announce their victory. This adds excitement and anticipation to the game.
- Variations in rules – It’s important to note that there are variations in how mahjong is played across different countries and regions. Rules regarding scoring, tile matching, and special hands may differ, adding depth and diversity to the game.
Top Tips to play online Mahjong Games
Concentration is necessary while playing Mahjong online. Here are top tips that will help you make better decisions, score more points, and finish your games faster:
- Always try to match tiles that will reveal the most hidden titles
- Horizontal tiles are tough to remove
- If you have three same tiles then match the two that unveil the most tiles
- If you get into a situation you can’t solve then shuffle the tiles
The free online Mahjong games are strategic matching games. To play Mahjong, you must remove all Mahjong tiles from the board before time runs out.
The goal of the game is to select tiles from those dealt face-down on the board to make full suit hands. There are many online casinos; allowing you to play Mahjong for free in the demo version which is perfect to get grips with the rules. This is one of the 5 Best Board Games You Must try.
4. Monopoly

This game has been a huge hit since it was released as a board game in the 1900s. Although this traditional game can’t be played in online casinos; you can find a range of Monopoly slot machines with strong resemblances to the original game. It includes Monopoly Slot and Monopoly Legends video slots. The slot recently released by software developer IGT; which is called Super Monopoly Money has an innovative Paris backdrop, shifting the game away from its London origins. This is one of the 5 Best Board Games You Must try.
This video slot game has 20 paylines; five reels; a return-to-player level of 95.76% and a coin size of 0.01 to 10.00. The features of this slot are known to be the replication of the chance cards; seen on the authentic board, as the Free Parking Bonus. It is triggered when the car symbol lands on the reels in the right configuration. You can then pick a car to win wild bonuses and payouts. Roulette varieties of Monopoly have also been released along similar lines, offering a nostalgic hit of the classic board game.
Features
- Fast-paced property trading – Engage in a fast-dealing game where players buy, sell, and trade properties in a lively and dynamic setting.
- Strategic buying and selling – Use your strategic skills to make smart property investments and negotiate deals with other players to maximize your wealth.
- Build houses and hotels – As you accumulate properties, you have the opportunity to build houses and hotels, increasing your rental income and making your properties more valuable.
- Chance and Community Chest cards – Experience twists of fate with Chance and Community Chest cards, which can change your fortunes, providing unexpected opportunities or challenges.
- Bankrupt opponents to win – The ultimate objective is to bankrupt your opponents by collecting rent and making shrewd property transactions. The last player standing with financial dominance wins the game.
- Suitable for various ages – The game is suitable for players aged 8 and up, making it a fun and engaging experience for both kids and adults.
- Multiplayer gameplay – Gather a group of 2 to 8 players to enjoy the game, fostering friendly competition and interactive gameplay among friends and family.
How to play
You can roll the dice and buy, sell, build, and scheme your way to becoming a rich landlord in MONOPOLY. This Hasbro board game and family classic are admired by over a billion people in cities and countries worldwide. One of the most classic and best board games you know and love is available now on mobile and tablets and is playable both offline and online!
MONOPOLY; by Marmalade Game Studio on Android; brings the board to life with a universe. It includes a beautiful animated and designed 3D city board with hotels and houses.
– ONE OF THE GREATEST BOARD GAMES – Play the Hasbro classic by yourself or with the family and friends in your life on mobile or tablets!
– A PREMIUM EXPERIENCE – No pay-to-win, no ad pop-ups, no risk, approved by Hasbro
– HOUSE RULES – Play with the most common house rules
– QUICK MODE – Finish the Hasbro board game faster than ever
– SINGLE-PLAYER – Play against our challenging AI. No need for friends or family
– OFFLINE MULTIPLAYER – Play together and pass the phone between turns
– ONLINE MULTIPLAYER – Play MONOPOLY online with people all over the world from a different city or country or create private multiplayer games to play with your friends and family in life without any risk.
Don’t get bored and challenge up to FOUR PLAYERS on one mobile device in multiplayer!
5. Cluedo

In every occasion, weather, and place; Cluedo is an iconic board game that has been going strong since it was first introduced in 1949. Many online slot developers have created ‘spin-offs’ of the board game; like Party Gaming’s Cluedo and Clue Spinning Detective by WMS Gaming. If you search out online casinos; you will land with a range of games based on the original characters, rooms, and features.
Features
- Updated classic mystery game – Cluedo, the beloved mystery game, has received a modern update featuring new graphics, a detailed board with additional rooms, and hidden clues.
- Solve the Murder in the Mansion – Immerse yourself in the suspenseful challenge of solving a murder that has taken place in the mansion. Use your detective skills to uncover the truth.
- New weapons and guests – Explore a variety of new weapons and suspect guests, adding an extra layer of intrigue and complexity to the game.
- Deck of intrigue cards – Experience heightened suspense with the inclusion of intrigue cards, which introduce unexpected twists and turns to the classic mystery gameplay.
- Eliminate suspects and discover ‘whodunit’ – Use deduction and careful investigation to eliminate suspects, weapons, and possible murder locations until you uncover the truth behind the crime.
- Contents – The game includes a game board, character tokens, miniature weapons, game cards (character, weapon, room, and clue cards), a Case File envelope, a pad of Detective Notebook sheets, dice, and a game guide.
Party Gaming’s version has multiple symbols like Professor Plum, Miss Scarlet, Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, and Peacock, with highly animated fun when you hit the winning combinations. This slot machine ensures giving you the feeling of the board game; even if solving the mystery is more about luck.
With Cluedo, you can enter a set stake like 1.00 and the winner takes the pot. Usually, most board games free are based on luck; so it’s not a great idea to pile in and opt for big stakes – but it can up the fun and competitiveness when you actually plan to put a few pennies into the mix.
FAQs
Q. What to Consider When Shopping for the Best Board Games?
Ans – When shopping for the best board games in New Zealand, consider factors such as the number of players, age appropriateness, gameplay duration, complexity level, theme, and availability in local stores or online retailers. Look for games that cater to the interests and preferences of the intended players, ensuring a fun and engaging experience for everyone in the Kiwi gaming community.
Q. Are board games only suitable for children?
Ans – No, individuals of all ages like playing kids’ board games. Along with board games aimed at adults and teens, there are some made especially for kids. In order to appeal to a variety of interests and ability levels, board games are available with a wide range of themes and complexity.
Q. How long do board games usually take to play?
Ans – Board game time varies greatly. While some games may be finished in 15 to 30 minutes, others may take many hours. Before beginning a game, it’s necessary to take into account the expected playtime that is indicated in the game’s instructions or on the box.
Conclusion
Board games continue to captivate players of all ages with their diverse themes, engaging mechanics, and social interaction. Whether it’s the excitement of strategic battles, the thrill of solving mysteries, or the joy of cooperative teamwork, board games offer a wide range of experiences to suit different preferences. They provide an opportunity to unplug, bond with friends and family, and exercise our cognitive abilities. From classic favorites to modern innovations, board games have stood the test of time as a source of entertainment, fostering memorable moments and creating lasting connections. So gather your loved ones, roll the dice, and embark on an adventure through the cardboard realms of board games.
Enjoy these 5 best board games you must try in New Zealand.