NZ’s secret Lotto code? The tips, tricks & ‘lucky’ numbers Kiwis need to know

If you’ve ever held a Lotto ticket and whispered “just this once”… this one’s for you.

With jackpots climbing into the eye-watering amount of millions, it’s no surprise Kiwis start dreaming a little bigger on Lotto nights. And while everyone knows the game is pure chance, there are a few quirky stats, patterns, and pieces of advice from past winners that make the whole thing a lot more fun.

So if you're grabbing a ticket this week, here’s your unofficial, totally-for-fun guide to “boosting” your luck - the Kiwi way.

Where to Buy: NZ’s ‘Lucky’ Lotto Hotspots

Yes, every store technically has the same odds … but some places have undeniably impressive track records.

Hastings’ Unichem Stortford Lodge Pharmacy tops the charts with a long history of big winners.
Nelson’s Richmond Night ’n Day follows closely behind, with dozens of first-division wins through its doors.
Christchurch has multiple hotspots too - including Pak’nSave Riccarton, Hornby Mall Lotto and Fresh Choice Barrington.
Up north, Auckland’s Berrymans Toys & Lotto has made 27 people very happy.
And if you’re passing Coastlands Lotto in Paraparaumu, don’t forget a ticket - 32 first-division winners have.

Does choosing a “lucky” store increase your chances? Nope. Does it make buying your ticket feel more magical? Absolutely.

The ‘Luckiest’ Lotto Numbers (According to History)

LottoNZ’s data shows a few numbers that have popped up more than others over the years:

The standout Powerball number? 2 - drawn more than 94 times.
That’s followed by 5 (70 times) and 7 (67 times).
And if you’re superstitious, you might want to side-eye Powerball 10, statistically the least drawn at just 56 appearances.

For your main line, the most commonly drawn New Zealand numbers include:
19, 15, 1, 35, 22, 2, 5, 7, 6, 4.

It’s not a guarantee - but hey, it’s fun to think about.

Inside Tips from People Who’ve Actually Won

Richard Lustig (multiple US lotto wins)

His well-known advice is simple: don’t go for Quick Picks.

“I play my own numbers, I play them regularly, and I never miss a draw, and again that's what increases your chances,” he said. “Seventy per cent of our players choose randomly.”

Carlo Massetti (five-time Kiwi-born winner)

Massetti became famous for an unbelievable winning streak, including three big wins in 10 days. His approach was… bold.

He often spent $5,000 to $8,000 on a systems entry ticket, choosing 8-9 numbers to cover as many combinations as possible. He also preferred smaller weekly jackpots because fewer people entered, meaning fewer chances of sharing the prize.

Not a strategy for everyone, but it clearly worked for him.

**Number-Picking Tips That Might Make You Feel Smarter**

Whether backed by stats or superstition, these are the classic bits of lotto lore:

Mix odd and even numbers.
Mix high and low numbers.
Avoid super obvious patterns (1–2–3–4–5–6… please don’t).
Don’t cluster your picks (e.g., all birthdays under 31).
Join a syndicate if you want more lines without spending heaps.

And yes… LottoNZ reminds everyone that all numbers really do have equal odds. But picking your own still feels more intentional, you know?

A Tiny Reality Check

The odds of winning Powerball Division 1 are about 1 in 38.4 million - so play for fun, set a limit, and treat it like entertainment. If a win comes your way, amazing. If not, well, it’s still cheaper than a night out.

You actually have much better odds of winning something fun with The Hits (though it might not be a million dollars).

There’s no real secret formula - but picking your own numbers, choosing a “lucky” store for the vibes, and joining a syndicate with your mates adds a little extra sparkle to the dream. And if your ticket does turn into millions… well, don't forget us.