Rotorua Bridge Club

Your Guide to Rotorua Bridge Club

At Rotorua Bridge Club, the joy of playing bridge goes beyond the cards—it's about the lasting friendships and shared laughter that develop among players. Formed in 1955, this strong regional club brings together about 150 members, from complete novices to seasoned grandmasters, creating a welcoming space where everyone can enjoy the game. The social side shines through in our four weekly playing sessions, designed to suit various skill levels and foster connections. If you're new to bridge and keen to learn, we run a series of lessons each year to get you started. Visitors are always very welcome to join most sessions, helping you build partnerships and skills in a relaxed atmosphere. Most members play using the Acol system, though Standard American is also common, making it accessible for players from different backgrounds. Whether you're playing in open grades or handicap events, the focus remains on fun, strategy, and community in this Bay of Plenty bridge club.

Location and Directions

Situated in the peaceful Neil Hunt Park on Tarawera Road, just near the Te Ngae roundabout and not far from central Rotorua, our club is easy to reach by car or local transport. The address is 2/5 Tarawera Road, Lynmore, Rotorua 3010, in the heart of the Bay of Plenty region. From town, head along Tarawera Road towards the roundabout—it's a short, straightforward drive, with plenty of parking available at the park. Public buses serve the Lynmore area regularly, connecting from Rotorua's main hubs, so arriving is hassle-free whether you're driving or catching a ride. This convenient spot makes it simple for locals and visitors alike to pop in for afternoon or evening sessions, enjoying bridge in a scenic, green setting close to home.

Our sessions include Monday afternoons at 1:00pm (seated by 12:45pm), sponsored by Hillcrest Upholstery and focused on open grades; Monday evenings at 7:00pm (seated by 6:45pm) with refresher lessons in February followed by casual play for all levels; Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm (seated by 6:45pm) as a handicap session sponsored by The Refinery, mainly for intermediate and junior grades; Thursday evenings at 7:00pm (seated by 6:45pm), sponsored by Hughes & Associates Lawyers and open to all; and Friday afternoons at 1:00pm (seated by 12:45pm) with all grades scored on handicap. During summer in December and January, we host additional sessions on Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm and Monday afternoons at 1:00pm, with a float available so you can join even without a partner.

If you're in Rotorua without a partner, contact our partnership stewards—they can nearly always pair you up. For Monday afternoons, reach Regina van der Sluis at 020 4161 7772; Monday evenings, Val Honeyfield at 07 347 1713 or 027 482 6793; Wednesday evenings, Hilary Williams at 027 482 0699; Thursday evenings, Marie Milsum at 027 427 5727; and Fridays, Jim Morgan at 027 488 2189. Note that team competitions may limit extra pairs, but all other events are open to newcomers exploring bridge clubs in Rotorua.

Read more about this club