First Church is a neo-Gothic, cathedral-like Protestant church designed by Robert Lawson, one of New Zealand's pre-eminent 19th-century architects, and first presided over by the Rev Dr Thomas Burns, the stern spiritual father of Dunedin's first... : Walking the talk

A group of Australian visitors follows Mr Parks across Dowling St on the southern slopes of Bell Hill, a once-impassable barrier between what became the Octagon and the Exchange : Walking the talk

The opportunity to share his appreciation of Dunedin's historic built environment, and the realisation he might as well be doing work he enjoys, led Mr Parks to set up City Walks in 2006. : Walking the talk

Architecture is the most public form of art and Dunedin offers many beautiful examples which its citizens often pass without a second glance, Mr Parks says. : Walking the talk

Mr Parks uses photos and drawings to further illustrate a point of interest during the tour. : Walking the talk

City Walks founder Athol Parks says he feels inspired every day by the faith and dedication of the pioneers who gave Dunedin its beautiful and grand architectural heritage. Photos by Craig Baxter. : Walking the talk