War Memorial Tower

The Durie Hill War Memorial Tower is a popular tourist attraction in Whanganui, New Zealand.

It was built in 1919 as a memorial to the 513 people from the district who died in the First World War. The tower is constructed of cemented marine sandstone containing shell fragments and is registered as a Category 2 Historic Place. Visitors can ride the Durie Hill Elevator up to the top of Durie Hill and then climb the 176 steps to the top of the tower. From there, they can enjoy stunning views of the city, Mts Taranaki and Ruapehu, and the Tasman Sea.

Whanganui is a town with a strong cultural and recreational focus. The Queen's Park (Pukenamu) in the central township has several cultural institutions, including the Sarjeant Gallery, the Whanganui Regional Museum, the Davis Library, the Alexander Heritage and Research Library, and the Whanganui War Memorial Centre. The Whanganui Regional Museum and the Alexander Heritage and Research Library were both bequests of the Alexander family. The Whanganui War Memorial Hall is one of New Zealand's finest examples of modernist architecture. The Royal Whanganui Opera House is also located in the central town.

There are two large towers overlooking Whanganui: the Durie Hill War Memorial Tower and the Bastia Hill Water Tower. The Durie Hill Tower is a World War I memorial, while the Bastia Hill Water Tower is a landmark of the city and is visible from many parts of Whanganui. Visitors to the Durie Hill War Memorial Tower can also visit the nearby Durie Hill Elevator, which is New Zealand's only underground public transport elevator. Admission to the tower is free, and visitors can enjoy the stunning views from the top on a clear day.