Southland Pubs & Hotels
Heritage South — Introducing a New Built Heritage Theme
Heritage South is pleased to introduce a new theme within the Built Heritage project — Southland Pubs and Hotels. This series will feature some of Southland’s most iconic buildings, including several that closed during the prohibition era. Each story explores what happened next — from changes in ownership and community use to the possible reuse or transformation of the buildings that once served as lively social hubs.
The page brings together stories, images, and historical notes, with new entries added as research continues and more material is uncovered.
The Albion Hotel
Opened: 1859 | Demolished: 1985
Originally built in 1859 and later rebuilt after several fires, the Albion Hotel became one of Invercargill’s most recognisable landmarks on Dee Street. Its final incarnation was transformed into the Albion Picture Theatre in 1916 and later the Majestic Theatre before demolition in 1985. The site’s story traces more than a century of change in Southland’s social and entertainment life.
More Southland Pub and Hotel stories coming soon
Research is underway on a wider collection of Southland pubs and hotels. Additional stories and images will be added over the coming months as archival material is reviewed.