Can I walk up Baldwin Street?

Yes, you can absolutely walk up Baldwin Street. It is a residential road open to the public, though it is quite a steep workout, so comfortable shoes are highly recommended.

How long does it take to explore?

It typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes to walk to the top and back down at a steady pace, depending on how many photos you stop to take along the way.

Is it safe to drive up the street?

While cars are legally allowed to drive up, it is a dead end and turning around can be difficult. It is generally easier to park at the bottom in the North East Valley and walk up.

Why is the top part of the street made of concrete?

The concrete surface on the top section was installed to provide better traction and durability during the cold, frosty winters that are common in Dunedin.

What is the recommended Baldwin Street visit duration?

A typical visit takes about 1 hour. We recommend planning your schedule accordingly to make the most of your time there.

Baldwin Street

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1h EXPLORATION

Standing at the base of Baldwin Street, you might feel a sudden need to check your footwear and prepare for a serious workout. This unassuming residential road in Dunedin holds the title of the world's steepest street, a quirky claim to fame that draws curious visitors from all corners of the globe. As you ascend its concrete surfaced upper section, the incline becomes truly apparent, offering a unique perspective on the city's terrain. It serves as more than a simple photo opportunity, standing as a testament to the charmingly haphazard way many early colonial streets were planned. Whether you are racing up for the annual Gutbuster or simply soaking in the view from the top, a visit here is a classic New Zealand bucket list moment.

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History of Baldwin Street

When the mid 19th century surveyors laid out the grid for the burgeoning city of Dunedin, they were operating from offices thousands of miles away in London. They knew little of the rugged landscape they were mapping onto paper. The result was a rigid, uncompromising grid pattern that ignored the natural contours of the hilly terrain. Baldwin Street became the ultimate consequence of this geographic detachment. It slices directly up the side of Signal Hill with complete disregard for the steepness of the climb, transforming a standard residential road into a geological marvel that defies common sense. For decades, the street remained a quiet local curiosity until a campaign in the 1980s propelled it into the global spotlight. It was officially crowned the world's steepest street by Guinness World Records, sparking a fascination that turned this sleepy suburban enclave into a must visit destination. The title has been a point of fierce pride, with the local community even rallying to reclaim the crown after briefly losing it to a challenger in Wales. It is a testament to the character of Dunedin that such a significant record is held by a simple, quiet street where locals live their daily lives. Today, the street has evolved into a unique cultural icon for the city. It hosts the annual Gutbuster, a physical challenge where athletes race from bottom to top and back again, and serves as the whimsical stage for charity events like the rolling of thousands of Jaffas down the hill. While the steepness is the primary draw, the legacy of Baldwin Street is its ability to bring people together, blending local history with a modern spirit of playfulness. It reminds everyone who visits that sometimes, the most extraordinary places are found in the most ordinary of settings.

Events spanning 170 years

YEAR 1850

The Unintentional Rise

The layout for the streets of Dunedin was surveyed by Charles Kettle in the mid 19th century, with the street eventually named after William Baldwin, an Otago Provincial Councillor. The grid pattern was designed by planners in London who were unaware of the severe terrain in New Zealand, resulting in the street's unintentional steepness.

YEAR 1987

A World Record Crown

Following a dedicated two year campaign led by broadcaster Jim Mora, the street was officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the steepest in the world, unseating previous contenders in San Francisco.

YEAR 1988

The First Gutbuster Race

The inaugural Baldwin Street Gutbuster took place, beginning a summer tradition where participants race from the bottom of the hill to the top and back down again to test their endurance and balance.

YEAR 2002

Rolling the Jaffas

A new charity tradition began involving the rolling of over 30,000 Jaffas, which are spherical chocolate sweets, down the steep slope to raise funds for community causes.

YEAR 2019

Losing the Title

Baldwin Street temporarily lost its official title to Ffordd Pen Llech in Wales, sparking a period of national discourse and local disappointment throughout New Zealand.

YEAR 2020

Title Reclaimed

After a successful appeal led by local surveyor Toby Stoff, Guinness World Records determined that the steepness measurement should be taken along the central axis of the street. This correction returned the world title back to Dunedin.

Fun Facts

• At its steepest point, the street reaches an incline of approximately 35 percent, meaning it rises 1 metre for every 2.86 metres of length.
• Residents living on the street have a unique experience, with many embracing the attention and others appreciating the quiet moments away from the crowds.
• The Jaffa race charity event involves thousands of these spherical chocolate candies being released, with each one sponsored to help support local charities.
• The annual Gutbuster run has seen record times under two minutes, though most visitors prefer a leisurely, albeit breathy, walk.
• The street has been a venue for various stunts, including people navigating the hill on unicycles, pogo sticks, and even skateboards.
• The street is part of a cluster of steep roads in the area, with nearby streets like Arnold Street and Dalmeny Street also boasting significant gradients.
• The street is surfaced with concrete on its upper section, a choice made to ensure safety and prevent maintenance issues during Dunedin's frequent frosty winters.
• The street was named after William Baldwin, an early politician and newspaper founder who helped subdivide the local area.
• The street's gradient is so severe that it was planned with no consideration for the natural topography, illustrating the disconnect between colonial planners and the actual New Zealand landscape.
• Visitors often pose for photographs while leaning forward to exaggerate the slant of the hill, creating a classic optical illusion.
• While it is famous for its steepness, the street is actually a residential dead end for vehicles, leading into a pedestrian path at the top.

Baldwin Street FAQ

While we strive to keep this information accurate and up to date, we recommend verifying any details independently before making decisions based on them.

Baldwin Street Map & Neighborhood Explorer

This interactive map is centered on Baldwin Street. Zoom in and move the map around to automatically discover Wikipedia photos and summaries of other nearby sights, monuments, and historical points of interest and stories in real-time!

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