Getting the most out of a drive from Dunedin to Aramoana is now possible, thanks to the launch of a harbour heritage trail brochure.
The Southern Heritage Trust launched its "port side" heritage trail brochure this month, and planned to release a similar one for the other side of the harbour this year, organiser Ann Barsby said.
The brochure explores the history of the communities along the west harbour road. Significant buildings or developments in the area have been included, as well as how the suburbs got their names.
Careys Bay, Port Chalmers and Aramoana receive much attention, due to the historical significance of buildings and events there.
"Creating a heritage flavour to the trails [was important], because Dunedin has promoted ecotourism and wildlife, but our historical heritage is something that has not been brought to the fore," Mrs Barsby said.
The Southern Heritage Trust was set up in 2001, and comprises a board of seven.
"We set up the trust with the idea of creating more public awareness of Dunedin and Otago's heritage, and to work with other organisations in order to achieve collaboration and promotion," Mrs Barsby said.
She believed the harbour basin had much history which had not been promoted. The brochure highlighted the main historical points of the area.
Planning for it began in 2006, with research carried out by historian Ian Church, and funding put in by the Chalmers community board.
It was initially planned to include both sides of the harbour, but it was decided there was too much information, and two complementary brochures would be better.
The port side was the "lesser known side" in terms of promotion, so its brochure was created first, Mrs Barsby said.
She was heartened by the interest and support people had shown in the project, and by the positive feedback from many.
Mr Church said many visitors had not known the significance of what they were looking at.
The trust had done a wonderful job putting the brochure together, and he admired its maps and diagrams.
"It will give interested people a bit better background, [rather] than just wandering around at loose," he said.
In particular, he hoped people would gain more knowledge about the stone buildings, as many were not aware of what they had once been used for, and when.
The brochure was available in the Dunedin Visitor Centre, the Port Chalmers Museum and the Taieri Gorge Railway, retailing for $2. Any retailer interested in stocking the brochure could contact the trust.
The brochure will be launched officially on Tuesday at the Port Chalmers town hall. The event is open to interested people, and to those wanting to find out more about the Southern Heritage Trust.
•Please contact Mrs Barsby by phoning (03) 479-0169, or on info@southernheritage.org.nz.
