Rotorua Bridge Club Sessions

Your Guide to Weekly Bridge

If you've never played bridge and are interested in learning, Rotorua Bridge Club runs a series of lessons each year, providing coaching and support for beginners. This activity involves playing contract bridge, a strategic card game that sharpens the mind and fosters social connections. It's open to all ages and skill levels, from novices to grandmasters, with about 150 members in the club. Sessions are welcoming to visitors, and if you're in Rotorua alone, contact a partnership steward to find a playing partner—we can nearly always arrange one. Most members use the Acol system, though Standard American is also played by some.

Weekly bridge sessions occur four times a week: Monday afternoons at 1:00pm (seated by 12:45pm, sponsored by Hillcrest Upholstery, main grades Open), Monday evenings at 7:00pm (seated by 6:45pm, with refresher lessons in February followed by casual play suitable for all levels), Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm (seated by 6:45pm, handicap session sponsored by The Refinery, main grades Intermediate and Junior), and Friday afternoons at 1:00pm (seated by 12:45pm, all grades scored on handicap). Thursday evenings at 7:00pm (seated by 6:45pm, sponsored by Hughes & Associates Lawyers, main grades Open) complete the schedule. Each session lasts about 180 minutes. Entry fees should be checked with the club, as they are not specified here. No special requirements beyond bringing your interest in cards; partnership stewards are available for support—Regina van der Sluis (020 4161 7772) for Mondays afternoons, Val Honeyfield (07 347 1713 or 027 482 6793) for Monday evenings, Hilary Williams (027 482 0699) for Wednesdays, Marie Milsum (027 427 5727) for Thursdays, and Jim Morgan (027 488 2189) for Fridays.

Visitors are always very welcome to all sessions, except team competitions where space may be limited. During summer (December and January), additional sessions run on Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm and Monday afternoons at 1:00pm, with a float available so you can join regardless of having a partner. 🃏 Participating offers mental stimulation through strategy and bidding, while building community ties in a relaxed setting. It's a great way to meet locals, improve concentration, and enjoy the social side of card games.

• Who it's for: Novices, intermediates, juniors, and experts—all ages welcome
• Key features: Four weekly sessions plus summer options; lessons for beginners
• Benefits: Enhances strategic thinking and social bonds in the community
• Requirements: No partner needed—stewards can pair you up
• Accessibility: Visitors encouraged; contact stewards for support
• Pricing notes: Entry fees to be confirmed with the club

About the Venue

The Rotorua Bridge Club is situated in Neil Hunt Park on Tarawera Rd, just near the Te Ngae roundabout in Lynmore, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty—not far from town. This convenient location makes it easy to access by car, with parking available in the park area. Public transport options in Rotorua include local buses that serve the Te Ngae area; check Baybus routes for schedules to the roundabout. The venue, known as the Rotorua Contract Bridge Club, provides a comfortable space for play, formed in 1955 as one of the strongest clubs in the region. It's a hub for community connection through hobbies like cards, with email at rotoruacontractbridgeclub@xtra.co.nz, phone 027 482 0699, and website http://rotoruabridgeclub.nz/. Contact Hilary for more details. The surrounding Lynmore neighbourhood offers a peaceful, residential vibe ideal for post-session chats. 🏞️