Your Complete Guide to University of Otago May Graduation Days

Graduation at Otago is one of the most iconic and memorable days of your university experience. Whether you're graduating on the 9th or 16th of May, the day is beautifully structured — but also surprisingly full.

If you’re trying to plan your day (and your photos), here’s a realistic timeline of how it all flows, including optional events many people don’t factor in.

8:00am – 10:00am

Preparation, Gowning & Early Photos

Your day begins with:

• Collecting your regalia

• Getting ready (hair, makeup, outfit)

• Meeting friends and family
  

Photography tip:This is hands down the best time for photos.

Soft morning light, an empty campus and you’re relaxed and not rushed

9:30am

Optional Morning Tea

Many graduates attend a morning tea hosted by the University before formal proceedings.

• A relaxed, social atmosphere

• Families and graduates gather together

• A great way to ease into the day

Location:The Link, Information Services Building (corner of Albany and Cumberland Streets)

10:30am

Optional Thanksgiving Service

The Graduation Thanksgiving Service typically follows morning tea.

• Short, reflective service

• Open to graduates and families

• A meaningful pause before the formal celebrations

This is especially valuable if you want a more grounded, intentional start to your day.

11:15am

Line-Up for the Procession

Graduates begin assembling in order for the famous Otago procession.

• You’ll be grouped by degree

• University officials and bagpipes lead the lineup

• Energy starts to build quickly here

  
  

11:30am – 12:00pm

The Procession (“The Walk”)

One of the most iconic parts of the day:

• Graduates walk through central Dunedin

• Crowds line the streets

• A very public, celebratory moment

Your two options:

Join the walk

• Full traditional experience

• High energy, unforgettable

• Less flexibility for photos

Skip the walk

• This in the perfect time for photos if you want a quiet campus and to move quickly around spots

1:00pm – 2:30pm or 4:00pm - 5:30pm

Graduation Ceremony (Dunedin Town Hall)

The formal ceremony includes:

• Procession into the hall

• Degree conferrals

• Walking across the stage

This is the emotional “official” moment

For the 1pm ceremony marshalling begins at 11:50; and the 4pm ceremony begins at 2:50 - you will have to be at the town hall by these times.

Cultural Celebrations (e.g. Pacific Graduation)

Events like the Pacific Graduation Ceremony (Pasifika) may take place around graduation:

• Cultural performances

• Family-centred celebration

• Recognition of community and identity

1pm Onwards

Post-Ceremony Celebrations

From 1pm onwards at least half of the graduates are in the town hall so it is the perfect time for graduates from the first ceremony to get some photos with the campus a bit quieter, (i.e. avoid the lines at the most iconic spots!)

~4:30pm – 6:00pm

Golden Hour (Best Light of the Day)

This is where the magic happens for photos

• Soft, warm, flattering light

• Less crowded as people start leaving

• A calm, celebratory end to the day

• Perfect if you are wanting photos with your degree after the ceremony
  

Photography tip:If you want those dreamy, glowy graduation photos — this is the time.

The Best times to get photos

With such a busy day it's hard to know when the best time for photos is. If you want the best possible outcome, here’s what I recommend:

Choose a morning session or late afternoon session, when the light is softer the campus is quieter and the lines are shorter.

But if you want a midday session, don't worry, I'll make sure we get gorgeous photos regardless.

Graduation Photography Sessions

I offer graduation sessions designed around this exact timeline, so you don’t have to guess when to fit everything in.

Whether you want:

• A calm morning shoot before the procession

• A quick session between events

• Or a golden hour shoot to finish your day

…I’ll guide you on timing, locations, and how to get the best light.

Simple pricing:

• Session fee only

• Only pay for what you love

  
  
  
  

  

Final Thoughts

Graduation at University of Otago is more than just a ceremony — it’s a full-day experience, from quiet moments at the thanksgiving service to the energy of the city procession.

With a bit of planning (especially around timing and light), you can experience it fully and come away with photos that truly capture how it felt.

If you want more information about the locations we will visit check out the Top Photography Spots at University of Otago for Stunning Graduation Photos