Dunedin's gold rush boom brought wealth, but it also brought crime, poverty and some notorious characters. A true crime walking tour explores this side of the city, taking you through the streets and buildings where murders, robberies, swindles and hangings left their mark. A local guide, often in character or with a flair for storytelling, leads the group through the central city and shares cases drawn from historical records and newspapers. You will hear about the early police, the courts and the prison, and how justice was administered in a young colonial city. The tour passes handsome Victorian buildings that look innocent today, but which were scenes of drama. The tone is a mix of history, humour and a little spookiness, though it is aimed at adults and older teenagers rather than young children. The tour is short enough to fit before dinner or after a day of sightseeing, and gives a fascinating alternative view of the city. Because the stories are rooted in real people and places, they bring the streets to life in a way that architectural tours cannot.
How to visit
The tour starts at a meeting point in the city centre, usually in or near the Octagon, and lasts around one and a half to two hours. It is a walking tour, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Book in advance, as group sizes are small. Check the tour times, as some run in the evening to add atmosphere, and arrive a few minutes early so you can find the guide and settle in before the first story begins.
What to expect
The guide will lead the group from site to site, telling stories at each location. The route is mostly flat and passes courts, old banks and churches. Some stories are grim, so the tour may not suit sensitive listeners. Expect humour and local colour, with opportunities to ask questions. The tour runs in most weather, so bring an umbrella if rain is forecast.
Making the most of it
Plan to have dinner afterwards in one of the nearby restaurants, and talk over the stories. If you enjoy the tour, combine it with a visit to museums or the architecture walk to see more of the city's history. Bring a torch or phone for dark corners, and keep belongings secure. Children under a certain age may not be admitted, so check the age guidance.
Good to know
True crime stories are a popular way to explore history because they reveal the social conditions of the time, including poverty, drinking, migration and the harsh justice of the Victorian era. The guides draw on research into court records and old newspapers, so the stories are grounded in fact. The tour also shows the changing character of the city, from rough gold rush town to the gracious Edinburgh of the south.
Some companies offer minibus tours that cover a wider area, and others add a ghost-story theme, so look at the options and choose the one that suits you. Evening departures tend to be more atmospheric, while daytime tours make it easier to read signs and see building details, and both work well in drizzle because the stories carry the experience. Keep your valuables close when moving between stops, as in any busy city centre.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walking tour of the city centre telling stories of Victorian crime and scandal.
Best time
Early evening, when the streets are quieter and the atmosphere is moodier.
How long
1.5-2 hours
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes, book ahead and check age guidance for younger visitors.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History buffs and true crime fans who enjoy a good story.
- Families
- Best for older teenagers and adults because of the subject matter.
- Couples
- A fun, slightly spooky evening before dinner.
- Pair with
- The architecture walk or a dinner in the Octagon.
- Time needed
- 1.5-2 hours
Good questions
How long is the tour?+
Around one and a half to two hours.
Is it suitable for children?+
The stories can be grim, so it suits teenagers and adults best.
Where does it start?+
At a meeting point in the city centre, usually near the Octagon.
Does it run in the rain?+
Yes, bring an umbrella or waterproof jacket.
Are the stories true?+
They are drawn from historical records and newspaper reports.