The Dunedin Club

A heritage club offering dining, event spaces, sports facilities, and accommodation for members and their guests.

Founded in 1858, the Club occupies Fernhill, a mid‑Victorian colonial homestead built in 1867 and purchased by the Club in 1874, set in landscaped grounds.

It provides multiple dining and function rooms (Dining Room, conservatory, Reading Room, Ritchie Room, Greenslade Bar), an A‑rated kitchen with seasonal menus, organised leisure and sports (billiards, bowls, squash), and regular member events, tastings and lectures.

Membership is by Town or Out‑of‑Town classification with a current member sponsor; members have reciprocal access, business meeting and conference services, discounted boutique accommodation (nine rooms), and venue hire for up to ~100 guests.

About

The Dunedin Club was established in 1858 and has a rich history. The current premises, a mid-Victorian colonial heritage property, were built by John (Johnny) Jones in 1867 and purchased by the Club in 1874. The building is set in extensive landscaped grounds.

Facilities

The Club features a heritage clubhouse known as Fernhill homestead, which includes multiple function and club rooms such as the Dining Room, Reading Room, Ritchie Room, and the R.W.M. Greenslade Bar & Card Room. There is also a terrace and garden, a conservatory overlooking the garden and fountain, billiards facilities, and organized bowls and squash activities. Additionally, a range of multi-purpose private rooms are available for events and meetings. More details can be found on the facilities page.

Dining

The Club offers an on-site kitchen rated 'A' for excellence, producing seasonal menus using local produce. Dining options include lunch menus, a weekly Friday night grill, working lunch and function menus, canapés, and an extensive drinks list that features wines, beers, and spirits. The formal Dining Room is decorated in mid-Victorian style, and additional dining facilities include the conservatory, Reading Room, and Ritchie Room. For more information, visit the dining facilities page.

Events

The Dunedin Club hosts a variety of events, including lecture and speaker series evenings, oyster lunches, black-tie dinners, cocktail receptions, Christmas celebrations, and appreciation events for wine, beer, and whisky. The Club is currently updating its events calendar, and details can be found on the events calendar.

Membership

Membership options include Town and Out of Town categories. Members benefit from networking opportunities with individuals from a wide variety of professions and backgrounds, and can also enjoy reciprocal arrangements with many clubs around the world. More information about membership can be found on the membership page.

Accommodation

The Club provides overnight guest accommodation for members and their guests in a heritage boutique property, which includes six double rooms, two twin rooms, and one single room. Members receive discounted accommodation rates. Further details are available on the facilities page.

Dress Code

The dress code at the Club requires smart, tidy casual attire as a minimum; T-shirts and sneakers are not accepted. For more information, please refer to the dress code page.

Leisure Activities

Organized leisure activities at the Club include billiards, bowls, and squash, with opportunities for tournaments and casual games. Other activities include whisky and spirits appreciation events, oyster lunches, classic car club gatherings, movie nights, and regular social dinners. More details can be found on the facilities page.

Business Services

The Club offers venue hire for weddings, member events, and functions, including business meetings and conferences. There are multiple private and club rooms available for events, along with catering and food services. For more information, visit the business services page.

Sports Facilities

Sports facilities at the Club include billiards, bowls, and squash, with active sports clubs that hold tournaments and casual games. More information can be found on the facilities page.

Venue Hire

Rooms and grounds are available for hire for weddings, private functions, celebrations, conferences, and business meetings. The Club can accommodate small dinners for four up to formal sit-down banquets for about 100 guests. Prospective hirers are encouraged to contact the Club for further details, which can be found on the venue hire page.

Facilities & Amenities

  • Accommodation
  • Lawn bowls
  • Meeting rooms
  • Private functions
  • Dining
  • Weddings
Contact Information
33 Melville Street,
Dunedin, Otago 9016
New Zealand

+64 3 477 0082