Heritage Highlights Walk Dunedin: Explore the Splendid Victorian and Edwardian Architecture
4.9
8 Ratings
Dunedin
Discover the stunning Victorian and Edwardian architecture of Dunedin on a small-group walking tour. Explore the city's picturesque streetscapes and learn about its rich heritage. Book now!
Duration:
1 hour
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- The Octagon - An attractive and vibrant public space, The Octagon has long been the centre of Dunedin. Walkers will learn how the space has evolved, and how Dunedin has evolved. A comprehensive introduction here outlines Dunedin’s pre-Colonial, Scots Free Church settlement and gold-rush years, and touches on challenges and opportunities the city faces now. Dunedin’s fortunes have always waxed and waned; we learn how this has been reflected in standout Octagon buildings including St. Paul’s Cathedral and Dunedin’s Municipal Chambers.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral - Entry to this building is no longer guaranteed, but we do study the Cathedral and discuss why it occupies such a prominent site in what was a staunchly Presbyterian town. We account for the contrasting architectural styles on display, and contemplate changes made and proposed in the wake of the Cathedral’s 2020 fire.
- Dunedin Railway Station - Walkers will enter, and gain special insight into, what may well be New Zealand’s finest building. The Station opened in 1906. We place it in context, then go inside and marvel at its decor. The tour finishes here, so walkers are invited to linger and take photographs.
What's Included
- Expert guided tours
Additional Information
Dunedin is an outstanding small city that’s ideally discovered by walking. Previously the biggest city in New Zealand, currently home to a vibrant university community, Dunedin features charming urban views and a collection of exceptional Victorian and Edwardian (plus Art Deco!) architecture. This intimate tour group provides both entertainment and insights - serving as an excellent primer to the city of Dunedin. Check out our testimonials!
Location
Dunedin isite Visitor Information Centre
Meet me in front of the Dunedin i-SITE Visitor Centre.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(8 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Cjspthesweeney
Mar 12, 2024
Walking Dunedin - The guide Athol, originally from the area, was very informative and we learned some good historical background to Dunedin. The pace was easy and 2 hours flew by.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carl_m
Feb 9, 2024
Very good tour to see the highlights of the city. - Our guide Athol Parks did a great job. He provided information that I did not know. The tour was an hour long. The city of Dunedin was hillier than I had expected. Athol made sure that we didn’t have to exert ourselves too much climbing up and down hills. This was much appreciated.
Review provided by Viator
Warrnambool
Feb 3, 2024
Stellar experience - We’ve done walking tours in dozens of cities, all over the planet.
This tour was one of the best.
Dunedin is both interesting and charming.
Athol’s tour today was outstanding.
He’s erudite , and clearly deeply in love with the city.
Strongly recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ashworth53
Dec 17, 2022
Great Walk in Dunedin - We did the Old Town Walk with Athol and it was a great walk and we learnt so much about the history, the buildings and the key events that shaped Dunedin. If you are coming off a cruise ship it's great because the tour start right near where the bus drops you off (in front of the i-Site). We highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Insertnamehere26
Oct 4, 2022
Engaging Laneways Tour - Our small group loved our unique Laneways guided walk with Athol, in fact it was the highlight of our trip to Dunedin! You could sense Athol’s passion for his city and we enjoyed learning about Dunedin in the most engaging way possible - by chatting to a local. Our guide was very knowledgeable and well prepared with historic photographs, newspaper articles and personal anecdotes to share. Highly recommend a walking tour with Athol on your next visit to Dunedin.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Johnaitchy1943
Mar 27, 2021
There is more to Dunedin than meets the eye. - We did the City Walk with Andrew in February on the day the Piped Bands came to town which made for a noisy start to what proved to be a most interesting couple of hours - actually two and a half hours as we held up progress with questions which Andrew patiently and thoroughly answered. Having grown up in Dunedin he has an extensive knowledge of the history of the city and of the personalities who have helped develop it. The distance covered was not great but contained a wealth of interesting material. Andrew has an engaging manner which made the experience all the more worthwhile.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stay714634
Jan 20, 2020
Engaging and insightful historical tour - I had the pleasure today to complete the Old Town Walking Tour with
City Walks guide/host Athol. I found him to be knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about Dunedin's history. As I happened to have the good fortune to be the sole participant on this particular tour, Athol tailored the tour to my interests and our discussions ranged from past history to current local social, economic and political events in Dunedin. He was generous in sharing his time and insight. I thoroughly enjoyed this tour and Athol's personable engaging presentation. I highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Climber37464138428
Oct 14, 2022
Great Intro to Dunedin - Great Introduction to Dunedin. We did a morning walking tour with Athol. Athol was passionate and knowledgeable about the city. We learned a lit and very much enjoyed our walk.
Review provided by Tripadvisor