Whanganui is bigger than we thought. The main street leading down to the river has a fascinating mix of shops and plenty of food outlets. We found one that did amazing cream slices which was devoured with morning coffee and also meat pies and sausage rolls to die for. These were purchased for our tea in the evening. By the river was the information centre and here we managed to book a steamboat river cruise for Sunday morning. So what to do today. Well a tunnel and elevator was mentioned. Built in 1919, The Durie Hill Elevator is New Zealand’s only public transport elevator and is still used on a daily basis by locals and visitors today. It is accessed through a long pedestrian tunnel, at the end a bell is rung and the operator brings the elevator down to take you the 66-metre ride to the top of the hill. The ride cost us $4 return. I suppose we could have walked up the steps but one look at how steep they were put us right off!
Once at the top two towers were just asking to be climbed, the first with its spiral steps next to the elevator was a bit more difficult for the likes of me, Ian had no difficulty in doing those narrow and steep steps, but I persevered and was glad I made the effort. The views were spectacular.
Even more impressive was the Durie Hill Memorial Tower. Steps were easier to climb but oh so many of them. 176 and having had Covid my fitness levels were zilch! Talk about breathless, thankfully convenient seats were strategically placed to stop at on the way up.
Back at the hotel and time for a well earned beer. We met a couple of locals who passed the time with us and suggested places to go and see. As I've said before, the people here are just wonderful.
So tomorrow we collect the van. Tested again this evening to make sure we are both still Covid free and yes, news was good. Our adventures truly do start tomorrow.
And this seen at the start of the tunnel.
6 comments:
The Drurie Hill elevator is certainly a fun ride!
A wonderful start to your adventures and lovely views over the counrtside etc.thank you.
Is that a GIANT duck anchored in the river, or something you have just added for fun?
Cheers to you bothe and hope you will soon revover your energy levels, especially after your purchases at the local shops, yum.
Ann Makemson.xx
Looking good, hope all goes well tomorrow and you will be off. Angela and Alan xxx
Jenny, it was pretty unique. Very old, a bit creaky and smelt of old wood. Lovely Xxx
Ann that duck was anchored on the river. I meant to ask why but forgot. Xx
Thanks, Angela and Alan. More adventures to follow. Xxx
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