Dunedin Gasworks Museum

#112 Do - Dunedin Gasworks Museum. Built in 1863 and closed in 1987, it's New Zealand's first and last gasworks and one of three preserved gasworks museums in the world. Built initially to power the gas lamps of Princes, George and Stuart Streets, by 1977 there were 170 miles of mains around Dunedin. Coal from the West Coast was heated to 1000C in a retort, producing a mixture of gases that went through a purification process and into the gasholders for distribution to Dunedin. Amazing to see the mesmorising steam engines in action that drove the gas pumps. Also fun to see the advertising of gas cooking, targeting the housewives of Dunedin. The volunteers are so knowledgable and enthusiastic at the museum, it's a wee gem in South Dunedin totally worth a visit - open Sundays 12-4pm and kids are free. Make sure you pull the cord to hear the whistle!!

#history #museum