But for Dunedin Steampunk Society member and emerging fashion designer Michelle Webb, it was the ideal setting for her latest display of Steampunk fashion.
Rather than display her designs on a traditional catwalk, they were presented in a much more theatrical manner. She organised a show titled Blue Spider Island Adventure, which was held at the Otago Polytechnic Hub on Saturday.
''It's a bit like Brigadoon - the mists clear and the ship has been brought to this island - Blue Spider Island.
''All the costumes are part of the actual island itself.
''We've got a lighthouse, a harbourmaster, a mayor, navigators, a scout and a green fairy with three-metre wings.''
Mrs Webb said she designed the show to be very interactive with the audience.
''It's more interactive than an ordinary everyday fashion show where people just walk straight down and straight up a catwalk.
''You get a narration, the story is read and people walk out and interact with the crowd as well.''
She said the event was held annually to raise funds for various charity organisations.
This year's show aimed to raise funds for Diabetes Otago.
