Durie Hill Elevator
Manawatu-Wanganui
The Durie Hill Elevator is a unique public transport feature in Whanganui, New Zealand, linking Anzac Parade beside the Whanganui River with the Durie Hill suburb atop the hill. Opened in 1919, it is New Zealand's only public underground elevator and is recognized as a Category 1 Historic Place by Heritage New Zealand. The elevator travels through a 205-meter long tunnel and ascends 65.8 meters vertically, culminating in a tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape including Mt Ruapehu and Mt Taranaki. Conceived as a practical solution to provide reliable transport to the then newly incorporated suburb, it facilitated the development of the Durie Hill Garden Suburb, one of New Zealand's first modern planned communities designed by architect Samuel Hurst Seager. The elevator operates daily with an on-demand service, staffed by an operator, and remains a valued transport link as well as a popular tourist attraction. Its enduring operation and integration with the city’s infrastructure highlight its cultural and historical significance in the region.
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Tip: Visitors are encouraged to ring the bell at either elevator landing to summon the operator for on-demand service. The elevator is open weekdays from 7:30am to 6pm and weekends/public holidays from 9:30am to 5pm, closed on Christmas Day. Avoid the short staff break times at 11:30–11:45am and 4:00–4:15pm when the elevator is not operating. Tickets are affordably priced, with concession options available, and bikes and dogs travel free. For a richer experience, consider booking a guided tour with an operator.
Interesting facts
- •Durie Hill Elevator is New Zealand's only public underground elevator.
- •It is ranked as a Category 1 Historic Place by Heritage New Zealand.
- •The elevator tunnel is 205 meters long and the vertical shaft is 65.8 meters high.
- •The elevator was opened in 1919 and has been operating continuously since then.
- •The elevator was originally powered by 500 volts DC from the city tram system, later converted to AC power.
- •It facilitated the development of Durie Hill Garden Suburb, one of New Zealand's first modern planned suburbs.
History
The Durie Hill Elevator was proposed after Durie Hill became part of Wanganui Borough in 1910 to provide safe and convenient access to the hilltop suburb.
Construction began in 1916 by contractors Maxwell and Mann and was completed in 1919.
The project was initiated by local figures John Ball and Edward Crow, but due to lack of public funding, a private company led by Col.
A.
E.
Wilson and W.
J.
Polson built it.
The elevator's operation was transferred to the Wanganui City Council in 1942, which continues to operate it today.
The elevator spurred the development of the Durie Hill Garden Suburb, a pioneering example of modern town planning in New Zealand.
Place Guide
Entrance Tunnel1916-1919
A 205-meter long, 3-meter high tunnel (adit) carved into the hill that leads to the elevator shaft. It was constructed using 2,500 tons of reinforced concrete and serves as the unique access point to the elevator.
Elevator Shaft and Car1919
The vertical shaft is 65.8 meters tall, housing the elevator car which can transport up to 500 passengers per hour both ways. The British-built 40 horsepower machinery was installed by a firm experienced in New Zealand elevator construction.
Summit Tower1919
A 9.7-meter tall flat-topped tower at the summit of the elevator shaft offering panoramic views of Whanganui and distant mountains such as Mt Ruapehu and Mt Taranaki. Visitors can ascend the tower for scenic vistas.
Contact
Phone: 06 345 8525
