Dunedin, a city known for its Scottish heritage, gothic architecture, and stunning harbour views, holds another, rather more quirky claim to fame: Baldwin Street. Nestled in the residential suburb of North East Valley, this short, straight street looks almost comical on approach, appearing less like a road and more like a ramp heading straight for the sky. For years, it held the coveted title of the World's Steepest Street, and while that title saw a brief challenge, Baldwin Street remains an iconic, must-visit landmark offering a unique physical challenge and fantastic photo opportunities.

Just How Steep Are We Talking?

Let's get straight to the point – or perhaps, the slope. Baldwin Street is only about 350 metres (1,150 ft) long. But over that short distance, it climbs from 30 metres (98 ft) to 100 metres (330 ft) above sea level.

The crucial number is its gradient. At its steepest section, Baldwin Street reaches a gradient of 1:2.86. That translates to 19 degrees or approximately 35%. For every 2.86 metres you travel horizontally, you rise 1 metre vertically. To put that in perspective, most roads barely reach gradients of 1:10 or 1:12. Walking up feels less like a stroll and more like a stair climb without the stairs (though thankfully, there is a staircase alongside part of the upper section!).

The surface is also noteworthy. The steepest part is paved with concrete, not asphalt. Why? Because on a hot Dunedin day, asphalt could potentially soften and flow downhill! The concrete provides better grip, especially essential during frosty winter mornings.

The Guinness World Record Saga

For decades, Baldwin Street proudly held the Guinness World Record title for the "World's Steepest Street." However, in 2019, the title was briefly awarded to Ffordd Pen Llech in Harlech, Wales. This decision was based on measuring the gradient along the centreline of the road.

Dunedin residents and surveyors contested this, arguing that roads aren't typically used only on their centreline, especially one as steep as Baldwin Street where taking the inside line would be impractical and dangerous. They proposed measuring the gradient along the "axis" or usable driving line. Guinness World Records reviewed the guidelines and, in April 2020, reinstated Baldwin Street's title, specifically clarifying it as the World's Steepest Residential Street, acknowledging the unique nature of its gradient across its usable width. So, as of early 2025, the sign proudly remains (or should be!), albeit with that important qualifier.

The Visitor Experience: Huffing, Puffing, and Photos!

Visiting Baldwin Street is an interactive experience.

• The Walk: Most visitors attempt the ascent on foot. It's a short but intense workout! Reaching the top brings a real sense of accomplishment (and possibly burning calf muscles). Take your time, catch your breath, and enjoy the increasingly good view back down.
• The Drive: Think very carefully before attempting to drive up. While technically possible for some vehicles (ideally powerful with good traction control, perhaps 4WD), it's generally discouraged. It can be dangerous, especially if you need to stop or encounter another vehicle. Coming down requires extreme caution and using a low gear. Most visitors wisely park on the flatter surrounding streets and walk.
• The Photos: This is where the fun really begins! Baldwin Street is an optical illusion playground. Position your camera carefully, and you can make the houses lining the street look like they are sinking into the ground at impossible angles. Classic poses include leaning dramatically "against" gravity or pretending to struggle immensely just to stand upright. Get creative!
• The Summit: At the top, you'll find a decorated bench seat and a drinking fountain – welcome sights after the climb! There's also a small section of mosaic tiles and often some chalk drawings left by previous visitors. The view looking back down offers a great perspective on just how steep your climb was.

Why So Steep? A Tale of Urban Planning

Baldwin Street's extreme gradient wasn't an intentional design feature. It's a quirk resulting from Dunedin's early urban planning. Surveyors, often working from maps drafted in London, laid out grid patterns across the landscape without always fully accounting for the dramatic contours of Dunedin's hilly terrain. When the grid called for a street, a street was built – regardless of the incline! Baldwin Street is simply the most extreme example of this phenomenon in the city. It was named after William Baldwin, an Otago Provincial Councillor and founder of the Otago Guardian newspaper in the 19th century.

Iconic Events (A Touch of History)

For many years, Baldwin Street was famous for the Cadbury Jaffa Race. This beloved charity event saw thousands of numbered orange confectionery balls (Jaffas) released from the top, bouncing their way down to the finish line. It was a colourful spectacle that drew huge crowds. Sadly, with the closure of Dunedin's Cadbury World, the Jaffa Race ceased after 2017.

However, the annual Baldwin Street Gutbuster race often continues, where participants run (or stagger!) from the bottom to the top and back down again – a true test of fitness and determination.

Tips for Your Visit (As of March 2025):

• Getting There: Baldwin Street is located in North East Valley, a short drive or bus ride (check local routes) from central Dunedin.
• Parking: There's no dedicated car park. Find parking on the surrounding, flatter streets like North Road. Please park considerately and legally, ensuring you don't block residents' driveways.
• Respect Residents: Remember, people live on Baldwin Street! Keep noise levels reasonable, stay off private property and gardens, and be mindful of their privacy when taking photos.
• Safety First: Walk carefully, especially if the surface is wet or frosty. If walking on the road, be aware of the (infrequent) vehicles. Don't attempt risky stunts for photos.
• Best Time: It can be visited year-round. Early morning or later afternoon might offer better light for photos and potentially fewer crowds.
• Facilities: There are no public toilets or shops directly on the steepest part of Baldwin Street itself. Plan accordingly.

Worth the Climb? Absolutely!

Baldwin Street is more than just a statistic; it's a genuinely fun and unique place to visit. It’s a physical challenge, a photographic novelty, and a quirky piece of Dunedin's history all rolled into one steep slope. No trip to Dunedin is truly complete without experiencing the gravity-defying peculiarity of the world's steepest residential street. Just be prepared for the climb!