Durie Hill War Memorial Tower

Durie Hill War Memorial Tower, Whanganui

The Durie Hill War Memorial Tower stands at the top of Durie Hill, across the Whanganui River from the city centre. It is easily reached by the historic Durie Hill Elevator (a staffed underground lift that has run since 1919 from 42 Anzac Parade) or by road and stairs.

Opened in 1925, the 33.5-metre tower was built as the official memorial for the 513 young people from Wanganui and the surrounding district who died in the First World War.

Constructed from local shell rock — a distinctive marine sandstone containing fossil shell fragments — it serves both as a solemn tribute and a lasting landmark.

Visitors climb 176 steps inside the tower to a viewing deck 113m above sea level.

From the top there are sweeping panoramic views over the city, the winding Whanganui River, and, on clear days, the distant peaks of Mount Taranaki to the north-west and Mount Ruapehu to the north-east.

The tower remains an important symbol of remembrance for the community while also offering one of the best vantage points in Whanganui.

Its combination of history, architecture and spectacular outlook makes it a significant and much-visited site.