Two engineering focused walks of central Dunedin highlight the vision, skill and tenacity of Dunedin’s engineers. Their work was pivotal in the city’s development and early prosperity.
Railway Station, Dunedin [early 1920s], Ref; 1/2-046486-G, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand.
Engineering has a wider scope than most people realise, including civil, electrical, fire, hydraulic, mechanical, structural, transport and telecommunications works. Because of this, places visited on the Engineering Heritage Trails range from locomotives to grand churches, public buildings to the sites of major earthworks.
Printable PDF trail brochures, with place information and maps, are available below.
Dunedin’s Engineering Heritage Trails are easy walks around central Dunedin, but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Walk 1: The Octagon Route (approximately 2 kilometres/1.5 hours)
Read the Walk 1 brochure (PDF 2.3MB).
This trail starts at the Otago Settlers Museum, and then progresses north, cutting westward through the Octagon and then looping back around to finish at First Church, which is south of the Octagon.
Walk 2: The Exchange Route (approximately 2 kilometres/1.5 hours)
Read the Walk 2 brochure (PDF 800KB).
This trail starts at the Otago Settlers Museum and follows the original Dunedin shoreline south, before heading north along Princes Street and completing a loop by finishing at First Church, which is near the museum and south of The Octagon.
The Exchange, Dunedin [circa 19 October 1949], New Zealand Free Lance, Ref; PAColl-8163-60, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand.
The walks were created by the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) Otago/Southland Engineering Heritage Chapter, with assistance from Otago Settlers Museum and Dunedin City Council Community and Recreation Services.
Heritage recognition
Many of these items are listed on Heritage New Zealand’s New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero as historic places.
Search the New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero
More information
Additional image gallery details
Railway Station, Dunedin [early 1920s]. Smith, Sydney Charles, 1888-1972: Photographs of New Zealand. Ref: 1/2-046486-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand.
The Exchange, Dunedin [circa 19 October 1949]. New Zealand Free Lance: Photographic prints and negatives. Ref: PAColl-8163-60. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand.
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand, must be obtained before any re-use of these images.
Location
Central Dunedin, both walks beginning at the Otago Settlers Museum, 31 Queens Gardens.
