Things to Do in Palmerston North for Gamers

Looking for something fun to do in Palmerston North? Whether you're new to the city, visiting for the weekend, a student looking for a hobby, or a lifelong gamer searching for a community, Palmerston North has a thriving tabletop gaming scene.

At Valkyrie Games, we help people discover new hobbies, meet new friends, and enjoy everything from board games and trading card games to roleplaying adventures and miniature battles.

Play Board Games

Board gaming is one of the fastest-growing hobbies in New Zealand, and Palmerston North has a fantastic community of players.

At Valkyrie Games you'll find hundreds of board games covering every style of play:

• Family Games
• Party Games
• Cooperative Games
• Strategy Games
• Eurogames
• Deck Builders
• Social Deduction Games
• Dungeon Crawlers

Whether you're introducing your family to modern board games or looking for your next heavy strategy challenge, there's something for everyone.

Discover the Upper Story Educational Games Range

Valkyrie Games is New Zealand's retailer for the innovative Upper Story range of STEM and engineering games.

Popular products include:

• Spintronics
• Bridge or Bust
• Turing Tumble

These award-winning games teach electronics, engineering, computer science, and problem solving through hands-on play, making them perfect for families, schools, educators, and curious minds of all ages.

Learn a Trading Card Game

Trading card games combine strategy, collecting, and community.

Popular games played at Valkyrie Games include:

• Magic: The Gathering
• Pokémon
• Disney Lorcana
• One Piece Card Game
• Flesh and Blood
• Yu-Gi-Oh!
• Digimon
• Grand Archive

New players are always welcome, and our community is happy to help you learn.

Join a Commander Night

Commander is currently the most popular format of Magic: The Gathering.

If you've ever wanted to try Magic, meet new people, or simply enjoy a social gaming experience, Commander nights are a great place to start.

Players range from complete beginners to long-time veterans, and every game tells a different story.

Play Dungeons & Dragons

Dungeons & Dragons allows players to create characters, explore fantasy worlds, solve mysteries, and embark on epic adventures.

Valkyrie Games regularly hosts D&D sessions and community events, including our popular Open Group program that makes it easy for new players to join ongoing adventures.

No previous experience is required.

Paint Miniatures

Miniature painting combines creativity, artistry, and gaming.

Many hobbyists enjoy painting fantasy, science-fiction, and historical miniatures regardless of whether they play tabletop games.

It's a relaxing and rewarding hobby that welcomes all skill levels.

Play Warhammer and Miniature Games

If you enjoy tactical gameplay and beautifully painted armies, miniature wargaming might be for you.

Our community includes players of:

• Warhammer 40,000
• Age of Sigmar
• The Old World
• Kill Team
• Various skirmish and miniature games

Meet New People

One of the best things about tabletop gaming is the community.

Whether you're new to Palmerston North, attending university, moving for work, or simply looking to expand your social circle, gaming events provide an easy way to meet people with similar interests.

Many lifelong friendships begin around a gaming table.

Enjoy an Indoor Activity Regardless of the Weather

Palmerston North weather can be unpredictable.

Board games, roleplaying games, trading card games, miniature painting, and tabletop events provide excellent indoor entertainment all year round.

They're perfect for rainy weekends, school holidays, family outings, and evening activities.

Activities for Students

Palmerston North is home to thousands of students, and tabletop gaming offers an affordable hobby with a welcoming community.

Many students discover lifelong hobbies through board games, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, and miniature gaming.

Activities for Families

Many tabletop games are designed specifically for families and can be enjoyed by players of different ages.

Board gaming provides a screen-free way to spend time together while developing communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.

Why Visit Valkyrie Games?

Valkyrie Games offers:

• A large retail store
• A massive 120 player dedicated gaming space
• Regular organised events
• Friendly and knowledgeable staff
• A Long Running Store with a broad range of singles and a full events calendar
• One of New Zealand's largest selections of tabletop gaming products
• New Zealand-exclusive Upper Story educational games
• A welcoming community for players of all experience levels

Whether you're looking for a new hobby, a place to play, or simply something fun to do in Palmerston North, we'd love to help.

Visit Us

Valkyrie Games

134 King Street
Palmerston North 4410

Phone: (06) 355 1185

Open seven days a week.

Come in, say hello, and discover why tabletop gaming is one of the most rewarding hobbies around.