First time in Christchurch: where to start

Whether you're new to all of this or just new to Christchurch, the order is the same: a munch, then a class, then a party when you're ready. Here is each step with the real places and their next dates.

Go to a munch. Nothing needed.

A clothes-on social in a public place. Turn up, buy a drink, say it's your first time. This is where you find out what's actually on, and who runs it well.

Tue 13 Oct
Uncommon Bonds · Munch · 7pm
Christchurch · says newcomers welcome · membership, orientation or vetting first
Uncommon Bonds is Christchurch's long-running non-profit, pansexual BDSM group. It holds a monthly munch for newcomers, regular play parties, workshops including an orientation and etiquette session, and special inter…
Their site ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Take a class. Drop-ins are normal.

Rope and skills studios are used to strangers and sell single-class tickets online. A beginners' class is the easiest first evening, and the people in it are at your stage.

No class studio with a public website is listed in Christchurch yet. The organizations above usually teach, and this guide says what to look for.

A party, when you're ready. Start this early.

Most parties want a membership, an orientation or a vetting chat booked days or weeks ahead, and many sell out. Read each one's rules on their own site, and go to your first with no plan to play.

No public play space is listed in Christchurch yet. Parties here are run privately through the groups above, which is the normal route in most cities: how you get invited.

Before you go

Munches need nothing: A munch is a clothes-on social in a public place. Turn up, buy a drink, say you're visiting. It is the fastest way to find out what's actually on that week.
Parties need lead time: Most play parties want a membership, an orientation or a vetting chat booked days or weeks ahead, and many sell out. Start that before you travel, not after you land.
Dress codes are real: Fetish club nights turn people away at the door for ordinary clothes. Read the code on the event page and pack for it.
Classes welcome drop-ins: Rope and skills studios are used to visitors and usually sell single-class tickets online. A beginners' class is the easiest first night in a new city.