Where To Play Pokies In Rotorua, New Zealand?
This city is on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua, from which it takes its name, located in the Bay of Plenty Region of New Zealand’s North Island. It is in the heart of the North Island, 60 kilometres south of Tauranga, 80 km north of Taupō, 105 km east of Hamilton, and 230 km southeast of the nation’s most populous city, Auckland.
Rotorua is a major destination for domestic and international tourists; its tourism industry is by far the largest in the district. It is popular for its geothermal activity, which features geysers—notably the Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa—and hot mud pools. The thermal activity is sourced from the Rotorua caldera, where the town lies.
Several other lakes are nearby. In addition to the geothermal wonders, there are the more usual water activities, such as fishing, boating, and whitewater rafting.
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Why Rotorua Is Called Roto Vegas?
Rotorua is also Roto-Vegas because of the many neon-lit hotels along the main street, the numerous venues for gambling, and the few brothels. The bar at the Hot Rocks Backpackers – the Lava Bar – is a good bet. Alternatively, try the Pig & Whistle, Fuse, or the Fat Dog Cafe.
Pig & Whistle, Cnr Haupapa and Tutanekai Streets, Rotorua, is the closest thing to a historic pub you’ll find in Rotorua. It has been open for a respectable time, but its claim to be a historic pub is largely based on the building, which was constructed around 1940. A good number of beers on taps, decent bar food, and frequent live bands make this a good choice for a drink when in town.
Brew, 1103 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua, is home to the Croucher range of beers, which are made in a Rotorua brewery owned by the pub’s owner.
The Belgian Bar, 1151 Arawa St, Rotorua, is a small range of Belgian beers, mainly on the bottle.
Rotorua does not have a casino, but there’s no need to worry. SkyCity Hamilton and Auckland Casino are not far away.
You might see Rotoura have a real casino in the future, as the Rotorua casino bill is still pending in Parliament. American casino developer Bob Hathaway of Global Indigenous Development said yesterday that his company had been waiting for three years after narrowly missing the application margin before the present casino license moratorium was imposed in 1997.
Proposed $150 million development of Rotorua
The proposed $150 million Rotorua casino development with Ngati Whakaue bill is in the proposal. Mr. Hathaway, former chief executive of the Sioux tribe of Chippewa, said the casino would provide enormous social and economic benefits for the region.
But Rotorua district councillor Maureen Whaaka, herself Ngati Whakaue, said not all Maori were in favour of the proposed casino, especially since they were nearly four times as likely as non-Maori to develop gambling addictions.
Where can you gamble in Rotorua?
The town of Rotorua has numerous cultural and historical points of interest, making it the perfect opportunity to discover its wealth of history and culture. With so many options, including bars, shops, leisure activities, shows, etc., you’re unlikely to become bored during your visit to Rotorua!
There are countless recommended spots to visit in Rotorua. Still, the most renowned are Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest, Village Maori de Tamaki, Volcanic Hills Winery, and Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre Ngongotaha.
In Rotorua, you will have many clubs and bars with gaming lounges.
1. Four Winds Tavern Rotorua:
- Address – 2 Owhata Rd Te Ngae Shopping Centre, Ōwhata, Rotorua 3010
- Opening hours – 12–10 pm every day but closed on Monday
- Price Range – $10 to $20
- Pokies – 18 Gaming Machines
- Phone: 07 345 6899
Four Winds Tavern caters to sports, and it is considered one of the best sports bars in Owhata, Rotorua. If you want to watch the NRL, soccer, union, or a little cricket, this is your go-to venue in Owhata.
You will find TAB betting, 18 poker machines, several pool tables, and SKY Sports coverage here. It’s a pokies gaming lounge in Rotorua, as voted by actual players.
Four Winds Tavern appears to be a traditional New Zealand pub with a focus on pokies, TAB betting, and casual drinks. The venue has an old-school charm but could benefit from some updates. While the staff provides assistance, reviews suggest they could improve in terms of politeness and hospitality.
The tavern offers a dedicated enclosed outdoor area for pokies players and smokers. Parking is available on a flat surface, and the venue is fully wheelchair accessible. While food service is currently limited, a new menu is planned for 2025.
Gaming Machines
Four Winds Tavern has a gaming lounge with 18 pokie machines, providing standard slot gameplay. The venue includes large-screen TVs broadcasting live Sky Sports and Trackside racing. TAB betting facilities are available for those interested in wagering beyond pokies. The setup is functional, catering to typical gaming and betting activities without additional features that set it apart.
Rugby, fishing, hunting, organized sports, and other outdoor and indoor activities are celebrated here. The Motutara golf course, Rugby Park, Lake Rotorua Gaming Lounge, Government Gardens, and the Te Ngae Shopping Centre are within miles of the tavern. With an international airport less than an hour away, visitors will feel at home in no time as they fellowship with the locals and other tourists to celebrate all the beauty and wonder the New Zealand countryside offers.
2. Mitchell Downs Tavern
- Address – 12 Goldie Street, Pukehangi, Rotorua 3015
- Opening hours – 11 am to 12:50 am
- Price Range – $30 to $40
- Pokies – 18 Gaming Machines
- Phone: 07 347 8706
Mitchell Downs Tavern is another casino in Rotorua, NZ, to play pokies. This is a Local tavern in Rotorua Public Bar, Lounge Bar with 18 Gaming Machines, T.A.B, Outdoor, and Garden Bar.
It is located at 10-12 Goldie Street, Pukehangi. Rotorua, this Tavern has been serving the Rotorua community for over thirty years. Today, it offers bar services, TAB live betting, great-value food, entertainment, and venue hire for celebrations and business conferences.
There’s karaoke, a DJ, poker night, and more every week! Mitchell Downs Tavern can enjoy the friendly atmosphere and everything on offer!
Besides pokies and TAB games, this tavern also offers events to win prizes. Here are Mitchell Downs Tavern’s regular events on weekdays.
- Tuesday – Pub Quiz
- Wednesday – Poker
- Thursday – 8 Ball Pool
- Friday – Karaoke
- Sunday – Trivia Bingo
You can contact the casino by phone at (07) 347 8706
3. The Rotorua CT Club
The club is a welcoming establishment located at 26 Moncur Drive, Rotorua. The venue invites members, guests, and affiliates to enjoy its amenities. Families, friends, or couples can visit and enjoy some excellent food, refreshments, and pokie gaming entertainment. You can also socialize in an authentic Kiwi atmosphere at this popular club.
Special services and facilities are all around the establishment. For example, you can relax in a heated swimming pool and prepare barbecue meals afterwards. The club is furnished in a modern way to deliver an urban ambience.
Many facilities
Members and guests have access to the club’s wide range of meals. The restaurant section is open from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm Thursday through Sunday.
Members and guests can enjoy a buffet menu, a la Carte dining, and bar snacks on Thursday and Friday. However, on Saturday and Sunday, the venue only serves bar snacks.
Membership of 1,150 members
The Rotorua CT Club currently has about 1,150 members and is always ready to welcome some new ones. Every once in a while, the club holds an open day and advertises it in the local paper. The day provides an ideal chance for potential members to visit and see what’s on offer.
To join, you can download the application form from the club’s website, fill it out, and submit it to their office. Furthermore, the membership rates are great value for what you get at the club.
There is a pool that’s heated during daylight savings. It provides an excellent spot for families to relax and enjoy the club’s barbecue facility. As such, the Rotorua CT Club fully caters to your leisure needs.
Games to play
Here, you can enjoy a wide range of facilities. They include a pair of bar lounges, a snooker room, and the main bar section. Members and guests can also access a self-service TAB and a gaming area with 18 popular New Zealand poker machines.
If you need it any other night, call 07-347 8301 and make arrangements. The club also provides off-street parking at no cost for NZ Motor Caravan Association members.
Rotorua CT Club is open from Monday to Sunday from 02:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. You can contact the club by phone at 07 347 8301
4. The RnM Sports Bar & Grill
- Address – 1279 Amohia Street, CBD, Rotorua 3010
- Opening hours – 8 am to 3 am
- Price Range – $30 to $40
- Pokies – 18 Gaming Machines
- Phone: 07 349 1983
The RnM Sports Bar & Grill houses 18 pokie machines, offering a standard selection of electronic gaming options. Alongside the gaming lounge, the venue provides TAB betting facilities for wagering on sports and racing events.
Large-screen TVs broadcast live sports, attracting a mix of patrons who engage in both gaming and sports viewing. With multiple satellite TVs placed throughout the venue, the bar accommodates those interested in pokies as well as those looking for additional entertainment options.
The presence of dedicated gaming machines makes it a common stop for regular players and casual visitors alike.
5. Malfroy’s Tavern
- Address – 174 Malfroy Road, Utuhina, Rotorua 3015
- Opening hours – 10 am to 10 pm
- Price Range – $10 to $20
- Pokies – 12 Gaming Machines
- Phone: 022 618 8184
Malfroy’s Tavern in Rotorua has 12 gaming machines available for players. The venue has an average rating of 3.9 out of 37 reviews, with mixed feedback from patrons. The tavern operates daily, with slightly reduced hours on Sundays.
Malfroy’s Tavern offers a traditional pub-style menu featuring classic bar snacks, hearty mains, and a selection of beverages. The atmosphere is casual, with a mix of locals enjoying the gaming lounge, TAB facilities, and social gatherings.
There are various other pubs and clubs where you can play pokies at Rotorua, like Colonial Tavern Rotorua, and other sports bars, like Ruck ‘n’ Maul Sports Bar.
Conclusion
Rotorua, with a population of approximately 77,000 and covering an area of 2,614 km², offers a modest yet active pokies scene compared to New Zealand’s major cities. The city has 10 venues with pokie machines, including several pubs, clubs, and gaming lounges, and 33 pubs that feature pokies.
In comparison, Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington have significantly larger pokies industries. Auckland, being the country’s largest city, has hundreds of venues, including SkyCity Casino, which alone houses over 2,000 machines.
Christchurch and Wellington also have major casinos and numerous gaming lounges, offering a wider range of options. While Rotorua’s pokie scene is smaller in scale, it remains an essential part of the city’s entertainment landscape, particularly within social clubs and local pubs. This makes it a notable, though less expansive, alternative to the bigger gambling hubs in New Zealand.
FAQs
What are the operating hours for venues in Rotorua?
Operating hours can vary, but many venues with Pokies are open during the day and late into the night. It’s best to check with specific venues for their hours of operation.
