The Baldwin Street Houses
What: The Baldwin Street Houses
Where: Dunedin, NZ South Island
Tucked away in the hillside suburbs of Dunedin, Baldwin Street holds a quirky claim to fame: it’s the steepest residential street in the world. But beyond the Guinness World Record, it’s the houses themselves that make this street worth the climb.
Built at improbable angles, the Baldwin Street houses appear to defy gravity. From some angles, it looks like the homes are sliding off the hill; from others, they seem perfectly normal—until you try standing upright in front of them. Many owners have leaned into the street’s oddity, with bold paint colours, creative landscaping, and humorous signage adding to the charm.
The street has become a cult favourite among photographers, who flock here to capture the visual illusion of tilted buildings and skewed perspectives. It’s also a popular stop for travellers looking for a fun, low-key challenge—walking to the top is short but steep, and the views across Dunedin are a satisfying reward.
Baldwin Street is best visited in the morning when the light is soft and the crowds are few. Keep an eye out for the annual events too, like the iconic Jaffa Race, where thousands of red chocolate balls roll at high speed down the hill for charity.
For a dose of architectural quirk and Kiwi humour, the houses of Baldwin Street offer a truly unique snapshot of New Zealand’s southern charm.
