The Northern Club

Exclusive Club since 1869.

When this impressive Italianate three storey rendered brick landmark rose on the corner of Albert Park in 1867, it was planned to become the 120 room 'Royal Hotel'. Edward Mahoney was the architect.

The 'Hotel' title did not stick as Auckland had just spawned a Gentlemen's club to match those of Canterbury and other overseas British Empire outposts. The club needed a premises and the hotel matched its needs. Temporary tenants like the provincial government, Auckland Museum and the British Army moved out and the gents moved in and refurbished. The basement was fitted out in service quarters, with strict rules that club employees may climb the stairs to the members reception rooms, but servants of personal members were not permitted.

It took on it's current "ivy covered" appearance when the Virginia Creeper was planted in 1927, it's appearance and history gaining the building a heritage listing. Like many of New Zealand's Gentlemen's Clubs, this one is now open to women, but only since 1991, shortly after the Minister of Finance Ruth Richardson spoke here. Twenty years later the other club of the City of Sails, the Auckland Club merged with the Northern Club, bringing in a new injection of funds and members.

Image Credit: Auckland Libraries W-1865 Henry Winkelmann 1928