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The Durie Hill Elevator (as seen on the hill) in Whanganui is a fascinating piece of New Zealand’s history and engineering. Built in 1919, it remains New Zealand’s only public underground elevator and is still in daily use.
Key Features:
- Location: 3 Blyth Street, Whanganui, New Zealand.
- Access: Visitors enter through a 213-meter pedestrian tunnel before boarding the elevator.
- Ride: The elevator ascends 66 meters to the top of Durie Hill.
- Historical Significance: It was originally built to support the development of the Durie Hill Garden Suburb, designed by architect Samuel Hurst Seager.
- Heritage Status: It is classified as a Category 1 Historic Place by Heritage New Zealand.
- Operating Hours: Open daily, except Christmas Day.
- Cost: $2 per ride for adults, $1 for children, with Eftpos available.
Additional Attractions:
- Durie Hill Memorial Tower: Located nearby, offering panoramic views of Whanganui.
- Guided Tours: Special tours are available, showcasing the Mercury Arc Rectifier and tunnel lighting displays.
It’s a unique experience blending history, engineering, and scenic views.
This underground public transport elevator, built in 1919, is New Zealand’s only public transport elevator and remains in daily use.
To access it, visitors walk through a 213-meter pedestrian tunnel before boarding the elevator for a 66-meter vertical ride to the top of Durie Hill. The elevator was originally constructed to support the development of the Durie Hill Garden Suburb, which was planned by architect Samuel Hurst Seager and is considered New Zealand’s first modern suburb.
If you're looking for something closer to Wellington, there are several tall buildings in the city, but none seem to match the description of a tower with a 60-meter underground elevator. However, Wellington does have historic underground walkways, such as those at Willis Lane, which have been transformed into a subterranean hub for dining and entertainment.
