University of Otago Staff Club, Dunedin
The University of Otago Staff Club occupies one of Dunedin鈥檚 most picturesque heritage buildings, set beside the 艑wheo / Water of Leith. Designed by architect J.L. Salmond and completed in 1907, the building originally served as New Zealand鈥檚 first Dental School鈥攁 response to the Dentists Act of 1904, which brought dental education under university oversight.
Built in the Gothic Revival style, the structure features a striking mix of Leith Valley andesite, Oamaru limestone, and Port Chalmers breccia, topped with a slate roof. Despite being designed for just 25 students, the Dental School was quickly overwhelmed by public demand, leading to overcrowding, safety concerns, and ultimately a relocation by 1926 following public outcry and a tragic incident under anaesthetic.
After the Dental School moved out, the building was repurposed as the University Registry and remained so for roughly 25 years. Renovations in the 1950s included a full retiling of the roof in orange and aesthetic updates to the northern fa莽ade. In 1966, the Faculty of Law took over the space briefly before it found its current use as the University Staff Club.
Today, the University of Otago Staff Club serves as a welcoming space for students, staff, alumni, and the public, featuring dining areas, meeting rooms, and a balcony with serene views of the river. The club offers a relaxed yet refined setting to enjoy quality food and coffee. Guests can choose from cabinet fare, homemade salads, and daily lunch buffets
Built in the Gothic Revival style, the structure features a striking mix of Leith Valley andesite, Oamaru limestone, and Port Chalmers breccia, topped with a slate roof. Despite being designed for just 25 students, the Dental School was quickly overwhelmed by public demand, leading to overcrowding, safety concerns, and ultimately a relocation by 1926 following public outcry and a tragic incident under anaesthetic.
After the Dental School moved out, the building was repurposed as the University Registry and remained so for roughly 25 years. Renovations in the 1950s included a full retiling of the roof in orange and aesthetic updates to the northern fa莽ade. In 1966, the Faculty of Law took over the space briefly before it found its current use as the University Staff Club.
Today, the University of Otago Staff Club serves as a welcoming space for students, staff, alumni, and the public, featuring dining areas, meeting rooms, and a balcony with serene views of the river. The club offers a relaxed yet refined setting to enjoy quality food and coffee. Guests can choose from cabinet fare, homemade salads, and daily lunch buffets
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University of Otago Staff Club on Map
Sight Name: University of Otago Staff Club
Sight Location: Dunedin, New Zealand (See walking tours in Dunedin)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Dunedin, New Zealand (See walking tours in Dunedin)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Dunedin, New Zealand
Create Your Own Walk in Dunedin
Creating your own self-guided walk in Dunedin is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
University of Otago Historical Buildings Walk
The University of Otago campus in Dunedin is renowned for its collection of historic buildings that showcase a rich blend of architectural styles, reflecting the institution鈥檚 long academic legacy since its founding in 1869. At its heart lies the iconic Clocktower Building, a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture completed in the 1870s, built from locally sourced dark basalt and Oamaru... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Dunedin Introduction Walking Tour
Dunedin, located on New Zealand鈥檚 South Island, is a city where Scottish heritage meets dramatic natural landscapes. Known for its rich academic, architectural, and cultural legacy, the city is home to the University of Otago鈥攖he country鈥檚 oldest university鈥攁nd a vibrant student population that infuses the area with energy. Visitors will notice the city鈥檚 distinctive 19th-century... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles