Baldwin Street in Dunedin, New Zealand, holds the Guinness World Record as the steepest residential street in the world. It’s a unique and quirky attraction that draws visitors eager to test their legs and experience this incredibly inclined road firsthand. What looks daunting from the bottom becomes a fun challenge to conquer, step by step.
The Challenge of Baldwin Street
Looking up Baldwin Street from the bottom, the incline is truly striking. It appears almost vertical, a testament to its impressive gradient. Officially recognized by Guinness World Records, Baldwin Street boasts a maximum gradient of 1:2.86, meaning for every 2.86 meters horizontally, it rises 1 meter vertically. To make the climb more manageable, and perhaps to add to its unique character, parts of Baldwin Street are laid with concrete steps. These steps offer a welcome respite and make the ascent achievable for most visitors. Benches are also placed along the way, providing resting points to catch your breath and admire the increasingly impressive views as you climb higher.
A low angle shot looking up Baldwin Street, showcasing its steep incline and the concrete steps.
Fun Activities on Baldwin Street
Beyond the physical challenge, Baldwin Street is famous for the annual Jaffa Race. Thousands of chocolate balls, known as Jaffas, are rolled down the street, creating a spectacular and quirky event. Even outside of the race, many visitors bring their own Jaffas or similar round treats to roll down Baldwin Street, enjoying the comical sight of them bouncing and racing downhill. Walking or even running up Baldwin Street is a popular activity for fitness enthusiasts and tourists alike, offering a unique workout with bragging rights. And of course, capturing photos and videos of yourself conquering this iconic street is a must for any visitor.
A slightly elevated view of Baldwin Street showing people walking and taking photos, with houses lining the sides.
A Street for Everyone
While the steepness might seem intimidating, Baldwin Street is an attraction suitable for all ages. Children are often fascinated by the novelty of such a steep street and enjoy the playful challenge of walking or running up. It’s also a real residential street, with people living in houses built on this incredible slope, adding another layer of intrigue. Reaching the top of Baldwin Street rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding Quarry Gardens and lush green hills of Dunedin, making the effort even more worthwhile.
A view from the top of Baldwin Street looking downwards, showing the steep road winding down and houses on either side.
Visiting Baldwin Street
Baldwin Street is located in North East Valley, a suburb of Dunedin, New Zealand. It’s easily accessible by car or public transport. There’s no entrance fee, making it a free and accessible attraction. The best time to visit is during daylight hours to fully appreciate the views and experience the street safely. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is highly recommended to tackle the steep incline. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a family looking for a fun outing, or simply curious to see the world’s steepest street, Baldwin Street is a memorable and unique destination in Dunedin.
