Old water tower
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Durie Hill Elevator and Tunnel

4.6
·706 reviews·Whanganui, New Zealand

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience

CrowdLow
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Old water tower

Durie Hill Elevator and Tunnel

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(706 reviews)

"A must-see one-of-a-kind in NZ... from the top anyway."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 724 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Durie Hill Elevator

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

Illuminated Tunnel Walk

Leading to the elevator

A vibrant, color-changing tunnel walk that sets the stage for the elevator experience.

Panoramic Hilltop Views

Panoramic Hilltop Views

Top of Durie Hill

Stunning vistas of Whanganui city, the river, and the Tasman Sea from the tower.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Ride in Advance

While not strictly required, booking your ticket for the Durie Hill Elevator can save time, especially during peak hours. Confirm operating hours beforehand as they can vary.

Embrace the Tunnel Experience

The walk through the illuminated tunnel to reach the elevator is an adventure in itself. Wear comfortable shoes and be ready for a unique journey before ascending.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed experience
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Catch the elevator operator's stories
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Our first time going up the Durie Hill Elevator and it was so cool! The light up tunnel and having a chat with the elevator operator were added bonuses too 😍 It’s $2.50 for adults, $1 for over 5s and under 5s are free 😍 Have you been here before?? #whanganui #manawatu #nztravel #nzmums #nzfyp
ripekas_adventures
154 likes • 5.8K views

🎟️ Affordable Entry

Adults are around $2-$2.50, kids are cheaper or free. Great value for a unique experience! Instagram+1

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be walking through a tunnel, so comfy shoes are a must for the full experience. Instagram

📍🇳🇿 Ever taken an elevator… through a hill? 🚇🌿 Welcome to Durie Hill Elevator in Whanganui — New Zealand’s only public underground lift and a true hidden gem from 1919!✨ 🇳🇿 🎫 Fare: $2 for adults, free for kids 👦👧 From a 213m tunnel walk to stunning city views at the top, this ride is part history, part magic. Don’t miss the hilltop tower views, vintage charm, and a ride that costs less than you...
mallu.from_newzealand
0 likes • 5.1K views
If you could do only one thing in Whanganui, then visit the Durie Hill Elevator. It’s 100+ years old and still running, you walk through a tunnel which is an experience in itself and end up at the elevator. The ticket price per person is $2. Don’t let the creaking sounds scare you, it’s perfectly safe and well maintained. You can also take the stairs up to the lookout if you’re not up for the e...
yasiikhan
61 likes • 2K views

💡 Tunnel Lights

The tunnel is well-lit with changing colors, making the walk to the elevator magical. TikTokReddit

🗣️ Chat with the Operator

The elevator operators are knowledgeable and friendly, sharing great insights. TikTokReddit

reddit.com

The Mercury Arc Rectifier that powers the Durie hill elevator in Wanganui

The lift attendant lady who's usually in that lift hates it if people press the 'call' button more than once. Was so tempted to press it multiple times when I went up Durie Hill a few months ago, but my wife stopped me :(

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! Instagram+1

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be walking through a tunnel, so comfy shoes are a must for the full experience. Instagram

💡 Tunnel Lights

The tunnel is well-lit with changing colors, making the walk to the elevator magical. TikTokReddit

🗣️ Chat with the Operator

The elevator operators are knowledgeable and friendly, sharing great insights. TikTokReddit

⬆️ Tower Views

Don't miss the views from the tower at the top – they're spectacular! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(706 reviews)

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

Unique elevator ride
Colorful tunnel
Great city views

What People Dislike

Occasional creaking sounds

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. Instagram

Yes, there is parking available near the base of the Durie Hill Elevator, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a pleasant walk, especially along the river. The tunnel itself is part of the experience, so walking to it is recommended. Instagram

Most visitors access the elevator from the bottom of the hill, walking through the tunnel. You can also take stairs up if you prefer. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The fare is very affordable, typically around $2.50 for adults and $1 for children over 5. Under 5s are usually free. Instagram+1

While not always mandatory, booking in advance or arriving early can help avoid queues, especially during busy periods. Confirm operating hours before your visit. Instagram

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. Instagram

Yes, the elevator is well-maintained and considered safe, despite any creaking sounds. It's a historic attraction that's regularly inspected. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The tunnel is a unique experience, featuring colorful, changing lights that create a magical atmosphere as you walk towards the elevator. TikTokReddit

From the Durie Hill Tower, you get breathtaking panoramic views of Whanganui city, the Whanganui River, and the Tasman Sea. InstagramReddit

Yes, children often find the elevator ride and the illuminated tunnel very exciting. It's a fun and memorable experience for families. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

While the primary attraction is the view, there are usually viewing platforms and information points. Restrooms might be available nearby in the town. Reddit

📸 📸 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! TikTokInstagram

The tunnel is well-lit, making it relatively easy to take photos. Experiment with different angles to capture the vibrant light effects. TikTok

Daytime offers the best natural light for the city and sea views. For the tunnel, any time is good as it's artificially lit. Instagram

Drone regulations vary. Always check local bylaws and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone in the area. Reddit

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. Reddit

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