Many of the 3800 ticket-holders for the student street party had not yet turned up when the media had a walk-through on Saturday morning, but themes were evident among those who had.
Cowboy hats were popular, purveyors of face paint had probably done well recently and inspiration had come from films, vocations and the animal kingdom.
Among the more creative efforts were Minions and somebody dressed as a KFC bucket.
Flat 13 occupants demonstrated dedication to acquiring the necessary attire for their convincing Pirates of the Caribbean presentation.
Despicable Me was taken, one of the pirates said in explaining their choice of theme.
Another pirate, Lucy Tesoriero, said the party was a crucial motivating factor for living in Hyde St.
University of Otago vice-chancellor Grant Robertson joined the walkabout and he described the event as "organised chaos".
Free food and water were on offer, complementing the alcohol being consumed.
The party was once a notorious event, but harm minimisation has been a feature since the roof of a flat collapsed in 2012.
It then became a ticketed event organised by the Otago University Students' Association.
OUSA president Liam White opted for a mix of Crocodile Dundee and Australia Zoo for his outfit theme, complete with a pink cowboy hat.
"People just seem to be having a really good time so far," he said, ahead of the afternoon swell in attendance.
The event ended at 6pm and police said there were no arrests.
