BALDWIN STREET, DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND, Dunedin Overview

Recently usurped from its throne of being the world's steepest residential road by a street in Wales, Baldwin Street has naturally become a spot of tourist attraction for people comprehensive and across the globe. Located in the North East Valley of Dunedin, New Zealand, you can visit the street along with several other secondary tourist attractions in one-day trip itself.

The street runs for around 3.5 kilometres along the northeast region of Dunedin’s central business district. It covers from the east of Lindsay Creek towards Signal Hill in Opoho. The steepest point rises to about 70 meters above sea level. The street is best visited during summer when an annual cycling event is held for fitness and charitable purposes.

History

The steepness the street is famous was originally unintentional and was merely out architectural dysfunctioning because of uneven terrains. It was laid by surveyor Charles Kettle who designed it in reverence for the impeccably laid out Edinburgh Newtown.

He passed away during the time of its construction but it was eventually developed into a unique attraction when it was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Record for being the steepest residential roads to date. It has since been surpassed by a street in Wales. The maximum official gradient of the slope is 19 degrees, with some areas rising to even 21 degrees but is not recorded officially.

Things to Do

Cycling- You may rent a cycle on an hourly basis and cycle your heart out through the track. It is a good source to figure out your fitness potentials and make a run at your cycling skills. You may as well participate in the annual cycling competitions if your trip to Dunedin happens to be near the summer event of it.

Walking- Keep a slow, steady and brisk pace to stroll or even jog in the early hours of morning or evening if walking is a thing you cannot get rid of. The steepness is just of the right amount to make you burn your calories after a guilt-free, appetizing holiday meal at Dunedin. The even and smooth track road makes it convenient for your canvas shoes to make a run along with it.

Photography- Is it even worth visiting a place recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records if you don’t photograph it? The place has a historical significance along with being unique enough to catch the fancy of your folks back at your homeland so make sure you have clicked enough photographs, especially so if you happen to visit there during the annual events held. The vibe is unprecedentedly enthusiastic and fun.

Nearby sight-seeing- if you happen to visit the street at a time when there is no event being held, you may keep the street as an additional location and visit the nearby sightseeing locations such as Speight’s Brewery or the Dunedin Railway Station.

Jaffrey Event- Held every July, the annual event is a race at the annual Cadbury Chocolate Carnival, where Jaffray a certain kind orange candy is rolled down the steep street. It is a sponsored event where each candy is marked and sold by the local beneficiaries. The sale of this Jaffray amount to charity and welfare homes, therefore make a full go at it if not for the entertainment but out of social welfare.

Annual Cycling Event- There are annual cycling events held where cyclists, local and tourists participate with full, unmatched gusto and enthusiasm.

Baldwin Street Gutbuster- The Annual event is held every March where around 1000 participants are brought together from various categories and are raced up and down the steep street. It is a race between the locals and the tourists and is of equal vibrancy.

How To Reach Baldwin Street

Start from either Oamaru or Moeraki and drive through the city taking the SH1 and turn to the left on Great King Street and go straight.
There is a park at the junction, from which the North road starts. The Baldwin street from thereon is a rough one and a half kilometers, after Black street.
You may take a bus from the Octagon terminus, preferably a No. 9 or No. 9A.