13/08/2025. South Dunedin Street Art. Grade 1.5. Hikers. Leaders: Val Crayford and Wendy Langley.
After parking up at the Southern Cemetery 25 of us headed into the South Dunedin area to view the street art. We started with a memory test at the mural situated in the carpark at PAK’nSAVE.
Some of us previously saw this last year as the ending to the Dunedin street art walk. However, there had been significant changes made recently to the mural. Part of the train had been painted over with a Scottish Highlander riding a lion and another on a seal. The mural reflects influences from Asian, Scottish and New Zealand cultures. We continued into South Dunedin stopping to look at wall arts along the way.
Shifting Tides-caught our eye, it is very colourful featuring chrysanthemums, which reflect the early Chinese culture in this area. Chrysanthemums symbolise longevity. Also depicted in this mural is our smallest native bird, titipounamu. If you are ever passing KiwiRail on Hillside road, check out the information boards they have on the history of Hillside workshop and rail. It is really interesting. Also a tribute to soldiers that worked there that were killed in the wars.
The next stand out would be the mural at Otago Tyres on Hillside Road. This mural has so much detail, exhibiting many features of our local area and past events. Well worth a look when you are passing by. Wall of Dreams, at Bathgate Park, on the Donaghy’s wall was painted by pupils from King’s High, Bathgate Park Schools, with help from varying centres. Wood Solutions, Orari St, showcases an absolutely stunning wall mural, painted by Southland artist Deow Owen. It depicts our native bird, the tui. It is a very striking mural. We viewed many artworks along the way, too many to mention them all, some are tucked away around the back streets of South Dunedin.
We did agree that the murals in South Dunedin are more colourful, vibrant, and more closely linked to NZ compared to the street art in Dunedin city. Possibly easier to view and appreciate their full impact. Definitely a lot of detail in them. Having said that, we are very fortunate to have this stunning wall art throughout Dunedin.
Afternoon tea and chatting was enjoyed at the Village Green.
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.