Online Drinking Games NZ – Rules, Tips & Top Picks

Whether you’re gearing up for a pre-drinks session in Auckland or catching up with mates across the motu via video call, drinking games online have become one of New Zealand’s favourite ways to kick off a social occasion. This guide covers the most popular games, how to play them, the apps and card packs worth downloading, tips for keeping things fun and responsible, and the etiquette that separates a great night from an awkward one. Let’s get into it.

Why Online Drinking Games Have Taken Off in New Zealand

New Zealand’s social culture has always revolved around getting together — backyard barbecues, flat parties, end-of-season sports events. But video calling, remote flatting, and the sheer convenience of app-based entertainment have pushed online drinking games into mainstream Kiwi social life. University students, young professionals, and even the occasional office team-building crowd have embraced the format.

The appeal is straightforward: these games provide structure for a session that might otherwise drift, they break the ice quickly, and they create shared memories. As journalist Guyon Espiner explored in his RNZ feature on drinking games and identity, alcohol-based social rituals are deeply woven into New Zealand culture — understanding how to engage with them thoughtfully matters. Online formats add an extra layer of accessibility, letting friends scattered across different cities or even countries join the same game through a shared screen or app.

The hybrid nature — playable in person or remotely — makes these games especially versatile. A Kings deck works just as well on a Zoom call with a digital version as it does around a kitchen table in Christchurch.

Classic Drinking Games Every Kiwi Should Know

Before diving into apps and digital formats, it helps to understand the classics that form the backbone of most online adaptations. These games have stood the test of time because the rules are simple, the laughs come quickly, and they scale well for different group sizes.

Beer Pong

Beer Pong is perhaps the most recognised party game in the country. Two teams line up cups in a triangle at either end of a table and take turns throwing ping pong balls into the opposition’s cups. When a ball lands in a cup, the opposing team drinks the contents. The first team to eliminate all the other side’s cups wins. Online versions use a virtual table with a cursor-based throwing mechanic — surprisingly competitive once you get used to the physics.

Kings (Ring of Fire)

Kings, also called Ring of Fire, uses a standard 52-card deck spread face-down around a central cup. Players take turns drawing cards, each of which triggers a specific rule — for example, a Two means “you” (pick someone to drink), a Seven means heaven (last hand in the air drinks), and a King means the drawer pours some of their drink into the communal cup. The player who draws the fourth King must skull the central cup. Digital versions on apps like drinking card game platforms replicate this almost perfectly for virtual play.

Roxanne

Roxanne is beautifully simple: split into two teams, put on the classic Police song, and one group drinks every time Sting sings “Roxanne” while the other drinks every time the phrase “put on the red light” is heard. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and mercifully short.

How to Play Kings Online — Step by Step

Kings is the most commonly adapted game for online play, so here’s a clear how-to for running it over a video call or through a digital card app.

1. Set up your platform: Open a video call (Zoom, Google Meet, or Discord all work well) or launch a Kings-specific app and share your screen so everyone can see the deck.
2. Agree on the rules: Before the first card is drawn, confirm which rule applies to each card value — these vary by region and group, so alignment upfront avoids arguments mid-game.
3. Designate a dealer: One player manages the digital deck or physical deck on camera. They flip cards one at a time, moving clockwise around the call.
4. Draw and act: The active player draws a card and the corresponding rule takes effect immediately. Everyone in the call must follow the rule in real time.
5. Track the Kings: When a King is drawn, the player pours a measure into the communal cup (each person tips a measure into their own dedicated large cup if playing remotely). The fourth King triggers a skull of that cup.
6. Continue until all cards are drawn: The game ends naturally when the deck is exhausted. No need for a formal winner — the experience is the point.

Tip: set a shared playlist running in the background and mute your mic briefly when drinking so the group hears the cards clearly.

Fun and Uniquely Kiwi Variations

New Zealand groups have put their own stamp on drinking games, adapting international formats with local rules, humour, and a healthy dose of banter.

The Number Game

Popular at stag dos and birthday gatherings, The Number Game sees one player pose a “who in this group is most likely to…” question. Everyone holds up fingers from zero to the total number of players to vote. Those whose vote lands in the minority drink. If everyone agrees unanimously, the questioner drinks. It’s a brilliant conversation-starter that reveals group dynamics in the funniest ways.

Thumb Master

One player is secretly appointed Thumb Master. At any point during the evening, they quietly rest their thumb on the table (or tap the corner of their screen in an online game). Everyone must follow — the last person to notice and copy them drinks. The role passes after the Thumb Master has used their power three times. It creates a wonderful undercurrent of alertness throughout a session.

Bottle Cap Jenga

A Kiwi party staple: stack beer bottle caps on an empty bottle, building an increasingly unstable tower. Players take turns adding caps; whoever sends the tower crashing drinks. It’s tactile, tense, and endlessly replayable — though this one is best kept for in-person gatherings rather than remote play.

Top Apps and Digital Options for Online Play

If you want a polished experience without printing cards or memorising rule lists, these digital options are well worth exploring for your next online session.

• Legless Kiwis: A proudly New Zealand-made digital card game available as a physical box set or a downloadable mobile app. The starter pack includes 75 cards; the full set expands to over 300, with challenges and rules written specifically for a Kiwi audience. Highly recommended for groups who want something that feels local.
• Do or Drink: An app-based game supporting anywhere from two players to very large groups. Players swipe to draw cards prompting dares or drinks, with multiple themed decks covering everything from mild social fun to more adventurous challenges. Works brilliantly over a shared screen on a video call.
• Drunk Pirate: A browser-based online card game mixing dares, trivia, and rotating rules. No download required — just share the link, and everyone joins from their own device. Ideal for groups who don’t want to faff around with app installs mid-evening.
• Digital Kings decks: Several apps offer Kings or King’s Cup in digital format, randomising the deck and displaying rules automatically. Removes the need for a physical deck while keeping the classic experience intact.

For more curated options, browse our roundup of online drinking games and drinking card games available for Kiwi players.

Comparing Popular Games at a Glance

Game	Ideal Player Count	Online-Friendly	Skill Required	Best For
Kings (Ring of Fire)	4–10	Yes (apps/screen share)	Low	Flat parties, pre-drinks
Do or Drink (app)	2–2,000+	Yes (native app)	Low	Large groups, virtual gatherings
Drunk Pirate	4–20	Yes (browser-based)	Low–Medium	Mixed groups, no app install
Legless Kiwis	3–10	Yes (mobile app)	Low	Kiwi-themed sessions
Power Hour	Any	Yes (playlist + video call)	Low	Endurance, large virtual groups

Drinking Games for Large Online Groups

Organising a game for a big group online requires something with minimal setup friction and rules that don’t require everyone to be in the same physical space. These options scale particularly well.

Do or Drink is the standout pick for scale — the app technically supports unlimited players, making it suitable for house parties where half the group is remote and half is in the same room, or for fully virtual events. Decks are categorised by vibe (mild, spicy, couples, etc.) so hosts can match the tone to the occasion.

Power Hour is beautifully low-tech: participants each have a beer, a timer, and access to a shared playlist of 60 one-minute songs. Every time the track changes, everyone takes a sip. Sync it over a Discord server or video call and you’ve got a communal, hour-long ritual with zero additional equipment needed.

Drunk Pirate runs in a browser, so it can be screen-shared to a TV for in-room players while remote participants follow along on their own devices. The rotating rule mechanic keeps the game unpredictable across a long session.

Safety, Responsibility, and the Kiwi Legal Landscape

Drinking games are meant to be fun — keeping them that way requires a bit of forethought. New Zealand’s Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act sets the legal drinking age at 18, and those hosting events (including virtual ones where alcohol is supplied) carry a degree of responsibility for the wellbeing of attendees.

Here are the key principles worth building into every session:

• Know your legal obligations: Never supply alcohol to anyone under 18, even in a private home setting.
• Offer non-alcoholic alternatives: Keep juice, sparkling water, or mocktail options available so anyone who wants to participate without drinking can do so without feeling excluded.
• Food and water first: Make sure food is on hand and water is available throughout — both slow alcohol absorption and reduce next-day regret significantly.
• Plan transport: Arrange safe travel options before the first drink is poured. Designate a sober driver, book taxis in advance, or ensure everyone is staying put for the night.
• Watch for distress signals: If someone seems overly intoxicated, confused, or unwell, step in calmly and supportively. Stop the game if needed — a good host always prioritises their guests’ safety over keeping a session going.
• Respect opt-outs: Anyone should be able to skip a round or swap to water without explanation or social pressure. Build that norm into your game from the start.

Online Drinking Game Etiquette — Playing It Right

Etiquette might sound formal for a drinking game, but a few shared norms make the difference between a session everyone remembers fondly and one that leaves someone feeling uncomfortable.

• Agree on house rules upfront: Five minutes clarifying rules before the first round prevents endless mid-game debates. Write them in the chat window so everyone can reference them.
• Keep challenges respectful: Avoid dares or questions that target a person’s appearance, relationships, or sensitive personal topics. Keep the humour light and inclusive.
• Sort your tech: Ensure your internet connection, audio, and video are working before the game starts. Constant buffering breaks the momentum and frustrates the group.
• Pace yourself: Build in short breaks every 30–40 minutes. Pour a glass of water, have a snack, let the energy reset naturally.
• Privacy matters: Don’t record or screenshot without checking with the whole group first. What happens on a drinking game call should stay there unless everyone agrees otherwise.
• Celebrate the moments: The best drinking game memories come from laughing together, not from winning. Cheer good plays, commiserate spectacular failures, and keep the vibe generous.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest drinking game to play online with friends?

Kings (Ring of Fire) is one of the simplest to run online — all you need is a digital deck or screen-shared app, a video call, and everyone’s drinks of choice. The rules are easy to learn, the game scales from four to ten players comfortably, and most Kiwis already know the basics from flat parties or university events.

Are there any New Zealand-specific drinking games available online?

Yes — Legless Kiwis is the standout local option, available as a downloadable app or physical card set. It features over 300 cards written with a distinctly Kiwi sense of humour and references. It’s a great choice for groups who want something that feels genuinely local rather than a generic international product.

Can drinking games be played without alcohol?

Absolutely, and it’s worth building this option in as standard. Any drinking cue can be replaced with a sip of sparkling water, juice, or a soft drink. Most digital apps and card games don’t specify what’s in your glass — participation is the point, not the alcohol. Inclusive hosting makes for a better time for everyone.

What is the legal drinking age in New Zealand for playing these games?

The legal age for purchasing and consuming alcohol in New Zealand is 18. This applies to drinking games just as it does any other social alcohol consumption. If you’re hosting a game, it’s your responsibility to ensure no one under 18 is drinking alcohol, including in private home settings where supply laws still apply.

How do I keep a large online drinking game session under control?

Choose a game with clear, visible rules (browser-based games like Drunk Pirate display the rules on screen automatically), appoint one person as a host or moderator, agree on house rules before you start, and schedule regular water breaks. For very large groups, an app like Do or Drink that handles rule delivery automatically reduces the workload on the host significantly.