The best way to truly appreciate the beauty of Dunedin, is on foot. And there are two inner city heritage walks. Take one to learn the built history of what was once New Zealand’s largest and wealthiest city. 

At its Victorian and Edwardian height, Dunedin was an important hub of commerce and trade. During those prosperous times, the centre of city was populated with grand period buildings. The inspiration was the style, street names and layout of Edinburgh, Scotland. And people that know Scotland’s capital will recognise many street names.

Most of these heritage buildings remain today. So, Dunedin is said to have the finest collection of Victorian and Edwardian buildings in the Southern Hemisphere.

Look out for bronze plaques, set into the footpath, marked with “Heritage Walk 1” and “Heritage Walk 2”. Each walk is just over two kilometres long and takes you past stunning buildings. You’ll see churches, grand old hotels, a Victorian gaol, the Dunedin Railway Station and many fine examples of period architecture that offer a strong sense of New Zealand history.

Oval plaques attached to many of the featured buildings provide historical information. Both walks are loop tracks and they cross paths on the north side of Dunedin’s central Octagon. A map, showing building locations, is available from the Dunedin iSITE.