Oamaru stone

Oamaru stone was used on many of the grand public buildings in the towns and cities of the southern South Island, especially after the financial boom caused by the Otago gold rush of the 1860s.

Initially used primarily in Oamaru itself, it became popular in Dunedin in around 1866, with the University of Otago's Registry Building being the first major structure in the city to make use of it.

The stone was used widely on buildings in many parts of New Zealand, including in the construction of both the Town Hall and the Chief Post Office in Auckland.

[6] The stone is porous, making it susceptible to weathering in damp conditions, but sturdy in a moderate to dry climate.

It is not strongly resistant to pollution, and can be prone to surface crumbling, but is excellent as a material for internal architectural ornamentation.

Oamaru stone is used on many of Otago's older structures, like this bridge arch in Oamaru.
Houses in Oamaru using Oamaru stone.
Weathered cornice and decorated keystones in the harbour area of Oamaru.
The distinctive combination of dark basalt and Oamaru stone is seen in buildings such as Dunedin Railway Station (centre left) and Law Courts (right).