photos by University of Otago

Dunedin Venues for Hire - The Complete Guide

by Avya Trotter-Hlavac | 02 Oct 2023

If there's one thing Dunedin does best - it's heritage spaces. Much of the town's infrastructure still holds classical Victorian and Edwardian elements, which is evident in the selection of event venues the region offers. From castles to homesteads, theatres to colleges - Dunedin has an abundance of character-filled landmark venues to host your event. We've compiled a list of the best venues in and around Dunedin. If you'd like a guide to the best wedding venues in Dunedin, you can view the blog here.

 

St Margarets

Image by St Margarets

St Margarets is a multi-function venue in the heart of the University of Otago campus. Bringing you the best of both worlds, St Margarets fuses classic architecture with state-of-the-art facilities. Framed by charming gardens and grand buildings, St Margarets plays host to conferences, meetings, training sessions, celebratory occasions and Christmas parties.

Knox College

Image by Knox College

Set on a spacious property surrounded by gardens, Knox is a grand venue for conferences, weddings and celebrations. Across the extensive building, you’ll find chapels, grand foyers, meeting rooms, dining halls and break-out spaces. Complete with onsite catering, accommodation, free parking, and audiovisual equipment - Knox College is as comprehensive as venues get.

Dunedin Centre


Image by Dunedin Centre

Dunedin Centre is a multi-faceted venue in the heart of Dunedin. With many spaces, from the grand Dunedin Town Hall to the convenient conference rooms, Dunedin Centre is not only an architectural masterpiece but an all-encompassing event venue. 

 

Larnach Castle & Gardens


Image by Larnach Castle & Gardens

Larnach Castle is a venue fit for a Queen (or King). Built in 1874, this impressive medievalesque castle resides just 10 minutes from Dunedin. The building showcases classical architecture and intricate detailing, creating a breathtaking scene for any wedding or other special occasion. 

Glenfalloch Restaurant and Garden


Image by Glenfalloch Restaurant and Garden

Glenfalloch is set within a beautiful woodland garden on Dunedin’s stunning Otago Peninsula. With over 140 years of botanical heritage, Glenfalloch has long been a favourite celebration place for Dunedinites

Olveston Historic Home


Image by Olveston Historic Home

Olveston Historic Home is New Zealand’s finest historic mansion and a grand backdrop for your wedding or special occasion. Retaining much of the original furnishings, Olveston offers a heritage space for weddings, special events and corporate functions. Event spaces include the Great Hall and Drawing Room - hosting up to 40 guests.

 

Toitū Otago Settlers Museum


Image by Visit Christchurch NZ

Immerse yourself in art deco designs and historical exhibitions at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum. Event spaces within the Museum include Josephine Foyer, Auditorium, NZR Foyer, Social Hall and NZR Lounge. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow abundant natural light into these modern spaces, while state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment will make your event soar.

Fable Dunedin


Image by Fable Dunedin

Originally built in 1862, Fable Dunedin embodies elegance and sophistication. A hotel venue with four conference spaces and additional breakout areas, Fable Dunedin seamlessly blends Victorian-era styling with modern facilities. With the ability to host up to 250 guests, Fable Dunedin is perfect for seminars, meetings, conferences, product launches, gala dinners, cocktail functions, private celebrations, wedding ceremonies and receptions.

 

Vault 21


Image by Vault 21

Known as Dunedin's premier dining location, experience a contemporary Asian-fusion menu meticulously crafted by award-winning chefs at Vault 21. With several spaces available, including 'The White Room' and 'Dracula's Den', Vault 21 is a versatile venue suitable for corporate functions and private events like 21st, birthdays and engagements.

 

The Longhouse


Image by Hayden Parsons

The Longhouse Tirimoana Whare Roa is a wellness retreat and event venue overlooking Karitane Beach and the Otago Coastline. This coastal property includes a kitchen garden, an outdoor fire pit, a spa pool, a natural amphitheatre and direct beach access. The perfect seaside getaway, The Longhouse is located just 30 minutes from Dunedin.

 

Teschemakers Resort


Image by Teschemakers Resort

Teschemakers Resort is a historic venue set on 70 acres of rural Otago, a scenic drive from Dunedin. With a charming ambience throughout, this homestead lends itself to meetings, conferences, seminars and weddings with up to 200 guests.

Otago Museum


Image by Travel Notes

Have your very own night at the museum, in the heart of Dunedin. An understated yet iconic venue, Otago Museum has beautiful galleries, theatres, and versatile spaces of varying sizes. In partnership with Dunedin’s most prestigious catering firm and suppliers, the team at Otago Museum will help you make history.

 

The Long Room


Image by The Long Room

The Long Room offers a sophisticated yet affordable space for celebrations and corporate functions. Located within the University of Otago Oval - The Long Room is a premium venue overlooking the cricket grounds and hosting up to 200 guests. With an onsite kitchen, excellent catering partners and a licensed bar, The Long Room makes for a smooth sailing event.

 

University of Otago


Image by University of Otago

Founded in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand's longest-standing university. Amidst the Victorian-style buildings are modern lecture rooms and meeting spaces available for hire. These charming spaces offer an old-world ambience with high-end technology.

 

Otago Golf Club


Image by Otago Golf Club

Otago Golf Club is an 18-hole golf course and event venue just 10 minutes from Dunedin CBD. No stranger to hosting weddings, conferences, seminars and Christmas celebrations - Otago Golf Club presents an event space that overlooks manicured greens and native bush. With a variety of lounging areas, catering solutions and bar staff - discover Otago Golf Club for your Dunedin event.

Petridish


Image by Petridish

Petridish is a shared workspace and an inspiring event venue in the heart of Dunedin. The space is carefully lit with hanging lanterns to create a beautiful ambience for your meeting, product launch, wedding or celebration. Complete with the latest tech, event management and onsite catering - Petridish is a character space for business or pleasure.

New Athenaeum Theatre


Image by Expedia

The New Athenaeum Theatre is a performance venue and co-working space in the heart of Dunedin. The theatre is a flexible black box space available by the hour for rehearsals, auditions, workshops, photo shoots, screen tests, etc. This malleable space can also be configured to accommodate meetings, conferences and co-working.

Regent Theatre


Image by Wikipedia

Regent Theatre is a Dunedin venue that captures the essence of the theatre in the 1920s. Blending old-world charm with modern facilities, Regent Theatre presents a glamorous backdrop for your event. 

 

Wingatui Function Centre


Image by Wingatui Function Centre

Wingatui Function Centre is a comprehensive venue within the grandstand building at Wingatui Racecourse. A short drive from Dunedin, Wingatui Function Centre has indoor and outdoor spaces to suit every occasion. Light-filled spaces include the Winning Post Lounge, Kumai Room, Baghdad Note Bar, Skipper Wilson Room and Noble Bijou Room.

 

The Mornington Tavern


Image by The Mornington Tavern

The Mornington Taphouse is a hilltop gem overlooking Dunedin City. With 16 TVs and in-house TAB, it's the best place in town to watch live sports. The Mornington Taphouse also has a range of function rooms available to hire for any occasion. Complete with sumptuous wines, refreshments and tasty eats delivered with first-class service - The Mornington Taphouse is perfect for your event, day or night.

 

Dunedin Art Gallery

 


Image by Dunedin Art Gallery 

 Established in 1884, Dunedin Public Art Gallery was New Zealand's first Art Gallery and remains one of the country's four major metropolitan art galleries today. Within walking distance of Dunedin CBD, the Gallery has a range of unique event spaces for event hosting, including a conference room, auditorium, foyer and specialised wedding space. Thanks to full licensing and tailored event packages - you can have your event amidst stellar exhibitions at Dunedin Public Art Gallery.

 

Mayfair Theatre


Image by Mayfair Theatre

The Mayfair Theatre is a venue with a world of history within its walls. Opening in 1914 as a King Edward picture theatre, it retains its undeniable 1900s feel. The space has been modernised to suit the needs of today and is available to hire for performances, stage shows and conferences. Along with the 400-seat auditorium, the venue has meeting rooms and an intermission room to accommodate your guests.


Chisholm Links Golf Club


Image by Chisholm Links Golf Club

Chisholm Links Golf Club is a prestigious golf club, ranked #1 in the Dunedin region and #23 in New Zealand. Amidst well-manicured grounds is the clubhouse - perfect for weddings, birthdays, quiz nights, meetings, conferences and corporate events. With a full bar, onsite catering, 150-guest capacity, free parking and sea views - Chisholm Links is a stunning venue for your next event.

 

Edgar Centre


Image by Edgar Centre

Edgar Centre is one of Australasia's most significant event centres, with facilities to host up to 4,000 guests. Spaces include the More Fm Arena, Main Hall, Harbour View Lounge, House of Travel Lounge, several Arena Lounges and Corporate Suites. Malleable in its nature, Edgar Centre is an impressive complex just 5 minutes from Dunedin CBD.