Bendigo Hotel — Alexandra, New Zealand
Posted by: 
Dunbar Loop
S 45° 15.508 E 169° 23.578
59G E 373912 N 4987080
The story of Alexandra's premier hotel that was demolished in 2000 to make way for flood control banks.
Waymark Code: WM7Q9M
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 11/21/2009
Views: 6
BENDIGO HOTEL
The Bendigo Hotel stood adjacent to this site from 1900 until it was demolished in 2001, to make way for this floodbank protecting Alexandra from flooding.
The original Bendigo Hotel, a wooden, single storied structure, was established on this site in the early 1860’s, by Mr L.G. Ryan, a local personality.
This original building was demolished in 1900, following a direction by the Tuapeka Licensing Commission that the building should be replaced, or the license revoked.
The then licencee, Mr Michael McAllen had the new two storied brick structure built, containing 30 bedrooms with all the conveniences of a first class city hotel.
”The bar is really a work of art, and is said to be second to none in the colony. The sitting and bedrooms are lofty and beautifully finished.” (Dunstan Times, 22 June 1900)
Several alternations and changes occurred to the building during its 100 years, however its wall witnessed many a lively scene as the Bendigo continued to provide good cheer to locals and travellers alike.
In latter years, ‘The Bendigo’ was flooded twice, in December 1995 and again in November 1999 and necessitated the hotels removal and construction of this floodbank.