Historical City Walk

Dunedin's Victorian and Edwardian architecture is world-renowned.  

Starting the tour here in the Octagon underneath the clock tower, learn about the amazing buildings that survive in the center of town.

Next is the Dunedin Railway Station, it is the second most photographed building in the southern hemisphere, second to the Sydney Opera House. We go inside the foyer of the station with its Royal Doulton tiled walls and mosaic floor made with approximately half a million pieces. She's currently under works so covered with scaffolding, however they've kindly printed a picture of the building on the outside!

Passing Toitu, Otago Settlers Museum we see Josephine, the first locomotive in Otago and hear its story - how it came here, how it was nearly lost to history and how it survived.

At Queens Gardens the tale is told of the first Scottish settlers, how they were welcomed by the Kai Tahu Maori, how they dealt with rain and mud, and why it was all worthwhile.

In the Exchange area we see the winged monkeys of the Cargill memorial and other fanciful shapes carved in stone. 

Up the remains of Bell Hill we climb, up Dunedin's ugliest piece of architecture, to where a trophy of the Great War was once on display.

Then past Otago Girls High School, oldest girls school in the Commonwealth outside the UK, whose pupils were forbidden to use the steps we have just climbed.

Past the church now called the Fortune Theatre, the oldest church building in Dunedin and the old library building - the gift of Andrew Carnegie.

Finally, the First Church building, unfortunately closed for the moment, but showing a wealth of carved details and holding a special place in your guide's life - his parents were married there.

I tell the story of the Scottish founders of Dunedin - what they found when they arrived, the society they built and the gold rush which changed it for ever.  

Little known architectural features include public nudity, winged monkeys, and a staircase forbidden to the pupils of Otago Girls High School.

• Meet Gregor under the clock tower in the Octagon, otherwise known as the Municipal Chambers.
• Dress for the weather, bring a water bottle and wear suitable walking shoes.  
• Photography and video of Gregor is permitted and can be shared on social media.
• Tour is 90 minutes and ends in the Octagon where it began
• Tickets are self refundable up to one day before the event.  Booking fee not refunded.  If you can't attend because you're unwell after refunds have closed, email darkestdunedin@gmail.com for a credit.