This is Real Connect
Hi there! My name is Jen and I am the Founder of Real Connect NZ. I know what it feels like to arrive somewhere new without a built-in circle of people.
I’ve done my own backpacking journey and experienced how quickly a place can feel exciting — and then suddenly unfamiliar again when you realise you don’t yet have your people there.
Now living in Christchurch, I found myself in a similar situation in a different way. New city, new chapter of life, and again that same feeling: it’s not always easy to meet the right people or to naturally build connections, even when you want to.
That’s where the idea for Real Connect started.
What if meeting people didn’t have to feel so complicated?
What if there was an easy way to just show up, sit down, and know that others are there for the same reason — to connect, to talk, to share a good evening, and maybe leave with new friends?
Real Connect is built around that idea.
Simple social evenings in Christchurch where people can meet others naturally, whether they’re travelling, new in town, or just looking to expand their social circle.
No pressure. No expectations. Just real people, real conversations, and real connections.
Mission
Real Connect was created after we moved to Christchurch ourselves and experienced how difficult it can be to build real connections in a new country.
New Zealand is beautiful, but starting over somewhere new can also feel lonely at times — especially when you don’t know many people yet.
We noticed that a lot of backpackers, expats and even locals were looking for the same thing:
real conversations, genuine connections and people to share experiences with.
That’s why we started Real Connect..
Vision
Our goal is simple:
to create relaxed social events where people can meet naturally — without pressure, awkward networking or endless messaging online.
Whether you just arrived in Christchurch, moved here recently or simply want to meet new people:
you’re always welcome to join us.
Because some of the best moments in life start with a simple conversation.
