I spent a little longer in Dunedin than expected as I was waiting on a small but vital bicycle part to arrive from Christchurch, but who am I to complain.
Dunedin is all ups and downs, but what a great city. The city is full of old world charm but has a modern chic feel about it. From the stylish coffee shops dotted around the CBD to the dining venues in the octagon, the place feels very much alive.
If you're visiting New Zealand, Dunedin should be at the top of your itinerary.
Free beer was promised and I wasn't disappointed. Taking a tour of Dunedins Speight's Brewery is a must for beer lovers. In a nut shell, at the end of the tour you get free run of the bar. That's right, pour your own beer and as many as you please.
Speight's Brewery has been in operation since 1876, brewing quality beers on the same sight in central Dunedin. The beer is produced using spring water fed from a bore directly under the brewery. The water in it's untreated state is said to be as pure as an angels soul. The brewery provides the water free of charge to the public, and each year over 1,000,000 litres of water is accessed by locals, particular Dunedins home brewers.
Once again another spectacular Dunedin day, overcast, cold and windy... The first 15 Kilometres were undertaken pushing into a gusty headwind along the spectacular shoreline of Otago Harbour. Reaching the turnoff to Larnach Castle to road immediatly rises steeply, climbing 314 metres over 3 kilometres. I received a number of odd stares from passing motorists, I'm assuming the look translates to "You must be mad ya mug"
Larnach Castle was built in 1871 by 200 workmen labouring for 3 years. William Larnach built this beautiful property for his wife then later added a ballroom as a gift to his daughter on her 21st birthday. Just a tad better gift than steak knives I would think.
Using your very best Jeremy Clarkson impersonation..
"The steepest street, IN THE WORLD"
So, in a moment of pure madness, I decided that climbing Balwin Street by bicycle would be a great idea. Leaving my hostel the temperature showed 11 degrees, windy and overcast. Ahh, the perfect weather for a ride.
Baldwin Street is 161.2 meters long and rises 47.22 meters over its length making the average gradient 1 in 3.41. At its steepest point, the gradient increases to a staggering 1 in 2.86 and is officially listed as the worlds steepest street by the Guinness Book of records.
