It was a landmark that stood nearby Mt Ruapehu for almost 100 years. But sadly, the Chateau Tongariro Hotel at Mount Ruapehu will be permanently closing its doors on Sunday, February 5.
The hotel was preparing to renew its lease for another 30-year tenure. However, after a detailed site and seismic assessment, it was found that underground shifts meant some of the hotel's infrastructure no longer met safety standards and was no longer safe for people to stay in.
"This is a very sad day for our hotel family," Kevin Peeris, the senior vice president of commercial of the Chateau Tongariro Hotel's parent company, told Newshub.
"Surrounded by the Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, and its history in Aotearoa New Zealand, it is disappointing for our hotel community that the Chateau Tongariro Hotel chapter will come to an end in February, despite initial plans to invest in its long-term future."
The cost to undertake rectification work was deemed too expensive for the company to carry out, following poor snow season numbers and pandemic pressure.
However, a spokesperson for the hotel said there are discussions to hand over the property to the Department of Conservation.
The hotel's closure directly impacts 36 staff who are being supported through the handover process.
