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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.

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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

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

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Durie Hill Elevator and Tunnel is a fantastic outing for families. Kids will be mesmerized by the color-changing lights in the tunnel and the novelty of riding an old elevator. It's an adventure that sparks imagination and provides a fun, educational experience about local history. TikTokInstagram

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! InstagramReddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Durie Hill Elevator is an absolute gem. The entry fee is very low, making it one of the most affordable attractions in Whanganui. You get a unique historical experience, a fun tunnel walk, and incredible views for a minimal cost. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Journey Through History: The Durie Hill Elevator

Opened in 1919, the Durie Hill Elevator is a testament to early 20th-century engineering and a beloved Whanganui landmark. It was built to provide easier access to the residential area of Durie Hill from the city center. The elevator is a unique piece of New Zealand's heritage, offering a glimpse into the past. It's still operated by paid staff, who often share fascinating stories about its history and the town. InstagramReddit

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. TikTokInstagram

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. InstagramReddit

Capturing the Magic: Photography at Durie Hill

Durie Hill offers a diverse range of photographic opportunities, from the vibrant, artificial light of the tunnel to the expansive natural landscapes visible from the hilltop. The illuminated tunnel is a particular highlight, with its color-changing lights creating dynamic and moody shots. Experiment with longer exposures to capture the light trails or use a wider aperture to get more of the tunnel's length in your frame. TikTokReddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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