Durie Hill Elevator celebrates 105th birthday

Published on 18 July 2024

Whanganui Connection media release

Whanganui District Council and Whanganui Connection are proud to invite residents and visitors to Whanganui to celebrate the 105th birthday of Durie Hill Elevator, on Friday, 2 August and Saturday, 3 August 2024.

A unique form of public transport, Durie Hill Elevator opened on August 2, 1919. Set into the hill, the 213 metre tunnel and 66 metre public transport elevator – staffed then as now by an operator – enabled a short journey by foot or bicycle between Whanganui and Durie Hill. 

Today, Durie Hill Elevator remains a valued means of transport, a living inspiration for how we design, build and move around our cities, and a wonder in its own right.

For Whanganui Connection, who run the service, the upcoming 105th birthday also provides a chance to celebrate their recently completed experience enhancements, supported by Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage. 

These include new design throughout the physical spaces of the elevator, with new signage and wayfinding, an underground plant wall, innovative projection-based displays and new, wirelessly controlled lighting throughout the length of the tunnel. The elevator team is also trialing expanded hours this winter - opening half an hour earlier each morning. 

Performer and elevator operator Anthonie Tonnon will be offering tours of the Elevator and tunnel on the birthday weekend. In the tours, visitors will see some of the capabilities of the new displays and lights and get to see the famous Mercury Arc Rectifier. 

The tours are no extra charge - you’ll just pay for your journey on the elevator at usual prices - $2 for adults, and $1 for children over 5, each way. Reservations are essential at duriehillelevator.co.nz/tours

Reservations open Friday, 19 July. 

Event details

Elevator open:
Friday, 2 August 7:30am-6.00pm
Saturday, 3 August and Sunday, 4 August 9:30am-5.00pm

Tours on the hour:
Friday, 2 August 11.00am-2.00pm
Saturday, 3 August 12noon-2.00pm
Bookings essential at: duriehillelevator.co.nz

Address: 
42 Anzac Parade and 2 Blyth Street, Whanganui