Durie Hill Elevator Shaft and Tunnel. Wanganui. New Zealand.
S 39° 56.202 E 175° 03.650
60H E 334314 N 5577468
The Durie Hill Elevator, built to provide transport to and from Durie Hill in Wanganui, is a rare and innovative example of public transport.
Built in 1919, it is the only earthbound elevator in New Zealand.
Waymark Code: WM4JEE
Location: New Zealand
Date Posted: 08/30/2008
Views: 84
In 1910 the Wanganui Borough solved a problem of providing public transport to its Durie Hill residents by building an elevator up through the hill. Construction of the elevator began in 1916 by contractors Maxwell and Mann. This included the excavation of a tunnel (205m long, 3m high and 2.7m wide), and an elevator shaft (66m high), ending in a 9.7m flat-topped tower. The tunnel and shaft were lined with reinforced concrete. It was opened on 2 August 1919 by Mrs W. Polson.
Today the elevator remains a popular form of transport both for the residents of Durie Hill and for tourists wishing to enjoy the views of the city of Wanganui, the Whanganui River, and beyond.
Date location was entrusted to the New Zealand Historic places: 06/28/1984
Type of history commemorated (short description):
Historic public transport.
Website pertaining to the location: [Web Link]
Town, city, or region nearest to the site:
Wanganui City.
Manawatu Wanganui Region.
North Island.
Year placed: 1919
Admission fees if any: 2.00 (listed in local currency)
Hours of operation:
The elevator is open Monday to Friday 7.30am to 6.00pm, Saturday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Sunday and public holidays 10.00am to 5.00pm.
Is it accessible to the general public:
Yes.
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Visit Instructions:
Post a photo of yourself with your GPS next to the designated mark. Old vacation photos are also welcome as long as it is your photo. You may post a picture of the waymark with just your GPS in the picture if you are traveling alone. If you are not able to provide a photo, then please describe your visit or give a story about the visit.