
Durie Hill Elevator and Tunnel
Ride New Zealand's only public underground elevator through a vibrant, illuminated tunnel to stunning city and sea views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience

Durie Hill Elevator and Tunnel
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride New Zealand's only public underground elevator through a vibrant, illuminated tunnel to stunning city and sea views.
"A must-see one-of-a-kind in NZ... from the top anyway."

🎟️ Affordable Entry
Adults are around $2-$2.50, kids are cheaper or free. Great value for a unique experience!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be walking through a tunnel, so comfy shoes are a must for the full experience.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Durie Hill Elevator
Base of the hill
New Zealand's only public underground lift, a historic and magical ride through the hill.

Illuminated Tunnel Walk
Leading to the elevator
A vibrant, color-changing tunnel walk that sets the stage for the elevator experience.

Panoramic Hilltop Views
Top of Durie Hill
Stunning vistas of Whanganui city, the river, and the Tasman Sea from the tower.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Ride in Advance
Embrace the Tunnel Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Affordable Entry
Adults are around $2-$2.50, kids are cheaper or free. Great value for a unique experience!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be walking through a tunnel, so comfy shoes are a must for the full experience.
💡 Tunnel Lights
The tunnel is well-lit with changing colors, making the walk to the elevator magical.
🗣️ Chat with the Operator
The elevator operators are knowledgeable and friendly, sharing great insights.
The Mercury Arc Rectifier that powers the Durie hill elevator in Wanganui
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Affordable Entry
Adults are around $2-$2.50, kids are cheaper or free. Great value for a unique experience!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be walking through a tunnel, so comfy shoes are a must for the full experience.
💡 Tunnel Lights
The tunnel is well-lit with changing colors, making the walk to the elevator magical.
🗣️ Chat with the Operator
The elevator operators are knowledgeable and friendly, sharing great insights.
⬆️ Tower Views
Don't miss the views from the tower at the top – they're spectacular!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Durie Hill Elevator and Tunnel as a unique and charming attraction. The illuminated tunnel walk and the historic elevator ride are highlights, offering a memorable experience. The panoramic views from the hilltop tower are also a major draw, providing a beautiful perspective of Whanganui. Some mention the elevator operator's knowledge as a plus, though occasional creaking sounds are noted.
"Even though I live but a stone's throw away from this incredible transportation attraction, I haven't visited it for some time.
Here's some picture updates of this must see one-of-a-kind in NZ...from the top anyway."
Andrew Karl
"The walk through the tunnel towards the elevator is well lit with changing colours. The elevator itself is still an experience not to be missed. Nice to know it is run by paid staff now.
Lovely views of Wanganui city and the river from the rooftop."
Chris Tearoe
"Definitely do it. Great views and lovely lift operator with loads of knowledge"
Karen Bellerby
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Durie Hill Elevator is located in Whanganui. You can drive and park nearby, or it's accessible via local transport. The entrance is at the base of the hill, leading into the tunnel.
Yes, there is parking available near the base of the Durie Hill Elevator, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! It's a pleasant walk, especially along the river. The tunnel itself is part of the experience, so walking to it is recommended.
Most visitors access the elevator from the bottom of the hill, walking through the tunnel. You can also take stairs up if you prefer.
While specific bus routes may vary, Whanganui has local transport options. It's best to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The fare is very affordable, typically around $2.50 for adults and $1 for children over 5. Under 5s are usually free.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance or arriving early can help avoid queues, especially during busy periods. Confirm operating hours before your visit.
Operating hours can vary, so it's recommended to check the official Whanganui District Council website or local tourism information for the most current times.
Yes, the elevator is well-maintained and considered safe, despite any creaking sounds. It's a historic attraction that's regularly inspected.
You can take the stairs up to the tower if you prefer not to use the elevator, offering an alternative way to enjoy the views.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tunnel is a unique experience, featuring colorful, changing lights that create a magical atmosphere as you walk towards the elevator.
From the Durie Hill Tower, you get breathtaking panoramic views of Whanganui city, the Whanganui River, and the Tasman Sea.
Yes, children often find the elevator ride and the illuminated tunnel very exciting. It's a fun and memorable experience for families.
The elevator ride itself is quick, but allow time for the tunnel walk, enjoying the views from the top, and potentially chatting with the operator, usually around 30-60 minutes.
While the primary attraction is the view, there are usually viewing platforms and information points. Restrooms might be available nearby in the town.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the colorful tunnel lights, the historic elevator, and the sweeping panoramic views from the hilltop tower. The operator can also be a great subject!
The tunnel is well-lit, making it relatively easy to take photos. Experiment with different angles to capture the vibrant light effects.
Daytime offers the best natural light for the city and sea views. For the tunnel, any time is good as it's artificially lit.
Drone regulations vary. Always check local bylaws and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone in the area.
Generally, tripods are allowed in public spaces, but it's wise to be considerate of other visitors. Check for any specific restrictions at the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With affordable ticket prices and the added bonus of stunning views from the top, it's a great value for families. Encourage them to chat with the elevator operator, who often has interesting stories to share. The walk through the tunnel and the ascent offer a gentle thrill that most children will enjoy. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for the tunnel walk!
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a walk along the river or exploring other free attractions in Whanganui to make the most of your budget. The experience offers significant 'wow' factor for the price, making it a highly recommended stop for anyone looking to explore without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through History: The Durie Hill Elevator
The experience begins with a walk through a 213-meter tunnel, which has been enhanced with colorful, changing lights. This illuminated pathway adds a modern, magical touch to the historic journey. The elevator itself is a simple, yet effective, mechanism that transports visitors vertically through the earth. It's a surprisingly smooth ride, despite its age, and the creaking sounds are part of its charm.
Upon arrival at the top, visitors are rewarded with the Durie Hill Tower, offering spectacular panoramic views. This vantage point provides an excellent perspective of Whanganui city, the winding river, and the distant Tasman Sea. It's a perfect spot for photography and to appreciate the layout and beauty of the region. The combination of historical significance, unique tunnel experience, and stunning views makes the Durie Hill Elevator a must-visit attraction.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Durie Hill
At the summit, the Durie Hill Tower provides a breathtaking backdrop. The panoramic views encompass the city, the river, and the ocean, offering excellent opportunities for landscape photography. Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can provide stunning light for these vistas. Don't forget to capture the historic elevator itself; its unique design and the surrounding architecture make for interesting compositions.
Remember to be mindful of other visitors when setting up your shots, especially if using a tripod. The elevator operators are often friendly and may have insights into the best times or angles for photos. Overall, Durie Hill is a photographer's delight, offering a blend of unique man-made features and natural beauty.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit