Snowboards and cameras packed along with poker faces; Only a week to go until the New Zealand Poker Tour Queenstown begins!

With only a week to go until one of the biggest poker tournaments to hit New Zealand shores begins, poker players from around New Zealand and overseas are preparing themselves to take away the top spot. The New Zealand Poker Tour Queenstown – SKYCITY Alpine Adventure, is an internationally renowned poker tournament attracting players from all over the world to Queenstown, one of New Zealand’s most pristine tourist locations.

The tournament structure this year has been shuffled up with Day 1’s being played at both SKYCITY Auckland and SKYCITY Queenstown casinos. Players who successfully make it through the first days in Auckland will be flown to Queenstown to join the lucky players who made it through to the final day at the SKYCITY Queenstown Casino.

Similarly to the 2009 tournament, the event is a massive boost to the local tourism industry with players taking up opportunities to take scenic flights over the Marlborough sounds, spend the day up on the slopes skiing and snowboarding; as well as taking part in some extreme adventure activities such as bungy jumping, canyon swings, sky diving from 15,000 feet and taking a ride on ‘The world’s most exciting jet boat ride’, the Shotover Jet.

The tournament is limited to 180 players starting the tournament off in Auckland and 132 players in Queenstown. This will be cut down to the final 15 from both Auckland and Queenstown which will come together to play for the trophy title of 2010 NZPT Queenstown – SKYCITY Alpine Adventure winner and an estimated prize pool of over NZD $700,000*.

Seats are limited at both Auckland and Queenstown with players being urged to book their seats now to avoid disappointment.

Buy-in for the tournament is set at NZD $2,650.00 for Auckland (NZD $150.00 goes towards flights and accommodation for the final 15 players) and NZD $2,500.00 for those starting in Queenstown.

For full terms and conditions, more information including entry forms, structures and prize payouts see www.skycity.co.nz/poker.

SKYCITY Queenstown Casino is Queenstown’s premier entertainment destination located in the heart of central Queenstown offering fun and excitement seven days a week. With eight gaming tables, 86 gaming machines, free live entertainment and great value local cuisine at Wild Thyme Bar and Restaurant, SKYCITY Queenstown is the place to be. SKYCITY Queenstown Casino is part of the SKYCITY Entertainment Group, comprising properties across Australasia in Auckland, Hamilton, Queenstown, Adelaide and Darwin.


*Based on full participation at both Auckland and Queenstown casinos.