Did you know the world's steepest street is in New Zealand?

The world's steepest street is Baldwin Street, located in Dunedin, New Zealand. It holds the Guinness World Record for the steepest residential street, with a gradient of 35% at its steepest point. This means for every 2.86 meters you travel horizontally, the road rises 1 meter, making it a challenging climb for pedestrians and a fun challenge for drivers.

Baldwin Street was laid out in the 19th century during Dunedin's expansion, with no regard for the terrain's steepness. Originally paved in concrete, the lower section is asphalt while the top is concrete to prevent erosion and provide better grip in wet weather. The street's gradient is so extreme that it has become a popular tourist attraction, with visitors often attempting to walk to the top and posing for photos.

Today, Baldwin Street is not just a novelty but a testament to New Zealand's quirky engineering and sense of humor. For visitors to Queenstown, it's a short flight or a scenic drive to Dunedin to experience this unique landmark. While Queenstown has its own steep streets, none rival Baldwin Street's record-breaking incline. It's a fun day trip that offers a mix of history, exercise, and unforgettable views.