Tunnels and towers are fascinating. Whanganui has both, and even better, they are joined together by a historic elevator.
Near Whanganui’s City Bridge a 213m-long, echoing and brightly lit pedestrian tunnel is dug into the heart of Durie Hill.
The Durie Hill tunnel leads to New Zealand’s only public underground elevator, which takes you 66 metres up to the top of the hill.
The elevator was built in 1919 to provide residents with easier access from the city, rather than climbing the 191-step staircase nearby.
Durie Hill War Memorial Tower was built a few years later, and from the top you have magnificent views over the city, the mighty Whanganui River and out to the Tasman sea.
