- Drinking games online work well via apps, browser games, or screen-shared card decks on video calls.
- Kings, Do or Drink, Legless Kiwis, and Drunk Pirate are among the top picks for New Zealand players.
- Always offer non-alcoholic alternatives and agree on rules before starting to keep the session fun and respectful.
- New Zealand’s legal drinking age is 18 — hosts are responsible for ensuring compliance at any gathering.
- Large groups are best served by scalable options like Do or Drink or Power Hour, which need minimal setup.
Whether you’re organising a virtual catch-up or a lively pre-drinks session, drinking games online offer an easy way to add structure, laughs, and a bit of friendly competition to any occasion. This guide covers the most popular games played across New Zealand, how to set them up, safety essentials, and the best apps and card packs to get you started — responsibly.
Why Online Drinking Games Are So Popular in New Zealand
New Zealand’s social culture has always embraced group games, and the digital shift hasn’t changed that one bit. University students, flatmates, and friend groups have embraced app-based and virtual formats that work whether everyone is in the same lounge or scattered across the motu on a video call.
As explored in depth by drinking games culture writing on RNZ, these activities are deeply woven into New Zealand’s social identity — they break the ice, build camaraderie, and give a shared rhythm to an evening. Online formats extend that energy beyond the living room, making them ideal for long-distance friendships and hybrid gatherings alike.
The best online drinking games combine clear rules, low setup effort, and enough variety to stay fresh across multiple sessions. Check out our dedicated drinking card games guide for more card-specific options.
Classic Drinking Games Worth Knowing
Before diving into apps and downloads, it pays to know the classics. These games have stood the test of time and translate well to both in-person and online play.
Kings (Ring of Fire)
Kings is one of New Zealand’s most-played card games. Each card drawn carries a rule — Ace triggers a Waterfall, Two means “you” (pick someone to drink), Four means all women drink, and so on. The King cards build a communal cup; whoever draws the fourth King must drink it. Digital versions replicate this perfectly via shared screens or dedicated apps.
Beer Pong
Beer Pong is a staple at Kiwi pre-drinks. Two teams face off across a table, throwing ping pong balls into the opposing side’s cups. Land a ball in a cup and the other team drinks. Virtual adaptations use random-number generators or video to replicate the shot system, though the physical version is always a crowd favourite.
Roxanne
Roxanne is delightfully simple: put on The Police’s classic track and split into two groups. One group drinks every time Sting sings “Roxanne”; the other drinks on “put on the red light.” No cards, no apps — just a speaker and a sense of rhythm.
How to Play Kings Online — Step by Step
- Set up your platform: Open a video call (Zoom, Google Meet, or Discord) and share your screen, or use a Kings app like Picolo or Kings Cup Online.
- Agree on rules: Confirm which action each card triggers before the first draw — house rules vary widely, so alignment avoids arguments.
- Place a communal cup: In person, a cup sits in the middle. Online, nominate a “King’s Cup” player who keeps a separate drink ready.
- Take turns drawing: Each player draws a card (or taps the screen) and performs the corresponding rule immediately.
- King card sequence: Each King drawn adds a pour to the communal cup. The player who draws the fourth King must drink it entirely.
- End the game: Play continues until all 52 cards are drawn, or the group decides to stop. The last person standing — sober enough — wins bragging rights.
Top Online Drinking Game Apps and Packs for Kiwis
New Zealand players are well served by a range of digital options. Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular:
- Legless Kiwis: A locally made digital card game available as a physical box set or a phone download. The starter pack includes 75 cards; the full version unlocks 300+. Challenges are tailored to Kiwi humour and culture, making it a top choice for local groups.
- Do or Drink: An app supporting two players right up to 2,000+, with multiple themed decks. Players swipe to reveal a challenge or dare, and the unwilling participant drinks. Perfect for house parties and large virtual gatherings.
- Drunk Pirate: A browser-based game mixing dares, trivia, and rotating rule sets. No download required — just share the link and play via screen share. Great for spontaneous sessions.
- Kings Cup Online: A digital recreation of the classic game with customisable card rules, playable directly in a browser. Visit our online drinking games resource page for direct links.
Comparing Popular Options at a Glance
| Game | Players | Format | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kings (Ring of Fire) | 4–10 | Card deck / app | Small groups, pre-drinks |
| Do or Drink | 2–2,000+ | App | Large parties, virtual hangouts |
| Legless Kiwis | 3–12 | Card pack / app | Kiwi-themed nights |
| Drunk Pirate | 4–20 | Browser | Mixed groups, no-download play |
| Power Hour | Any | Music playlist | Big groups, easy to run |
Fun Variations and Unique Kiwi Games
Beyond the classics, several games have earned a loyal following at New Zealand gatherings.
The Number Game
Popular at stag dos and big flat parties, The Number Game has one player pose a “who in this group is more likely to…” question. Everyone votes simultaneously by holding up fingers for Option A or B. The minority group drinks. If everyone votes the same way, the questioner drinks. It sparks conversation and reveals group dynamics in the most entertaining way.
Thumb Master
One player is secretly designated Thumb Master at the start of each round. At any point, they place their thumb on the table. Every other player must follow — the last one to notice drinks. The role rotates after each round, keeping everyone alert and adding spontaneous chaos to any session.
Power Hour
Organised via a video platform with a shared playlist of sixty one-minute songs, Power Hour requires every player to take a sip of beer when each new track begins. Simple, scalable, and surprisingly effective. Build your playlist in advance and share it across the call for a smooth experience. Explore more ideas in our drinking card games collection.
Safety, Responsibility, and Online Etiquette
Drinking games are meant to be fun — and keeping them that way means playing responsibly. New Zealand law sets the legal drinking age at 18, and hosts have an obligation to respect that whether the session is in person or online.
Key safety practices to follow:
- Always offer non-alcoholic alternatives — no one should feel pressured to drink.
- Keep food and water available throughout; pace the session to avoid rapid intoxication.
- Agree on rules and acceptable challenges before starting — it prevents awkward moments later.
- Avoid challenges that single out players in embarrassing or personal ways.
- For in-person sessions, arrange safe transport home in advance.
- Online: ensure stable internet and functioning audio/video so no one misses a round or a rule change.
- Share photos or screenshots only with explicit consent from everyone involved.
For more guidance on responsible hosting, the NZ drinking games resource hub has additional tips tailored to local settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free drinking games to play online in New Zealand?
Drunk Pirate and Kings Cup Online are both browser-based and free — no download or account needed. Do or Drink offers a free tier with basic decks. For a locally flavoured option, Legless Kiwis has a free starter pack available as a phone download, with a paid upgrade for the full card set.
Can drinking games online be played on a video call?
Absolutely. Games like Kings, Power Hour, and Drunk Pirate are well suited to Zoom, Google Meet, or Discord. Share your screen to display a digital deck or browser game, nominate a host to manage the draw order, and use the chat function for voting rounds. A stable connection makes a big difference to the experience.
What is a good drinking game for a large group of 20 or more?
Do or Drink supports virtually unlimited players and works brilliantly for large virtual or in-person gatherings. Power Hour is another excellent large-group option — just share a playlist and everyone participates simultaneously. Drunk Pirate also scales well and keeps rotating rules fresh enough to hold a big group’s attention throughout the night.
How do you play Kings without physical cards?
Several apps recreate Kings digitally — search “Kings Cup” or “Ring of Fire” in your app store. Alternatively, use a browser-based version and share your screen on a video call. Each player takes a virtual turn drawing a card, and the host announces the corresponding rule. Agree on your rule set beforehand to keep things running smoothly.
Are drinking games legal in New Zealand?
Playing drinking games is not illegal in New Zealand, but the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 governs how alcohol is supplied, and the legal drinking age is 18. Hosts should not supply alcohol to minors, and all participants should drink voluntarily without coercion. Responsible play that respects personal limits keeps everyone safe and on the right side of the law.
