The Iconic Chateau Tongariro Is Shutting Its Doors This Week After Almost 100 Years

Whether you've experienced its luxe vintage decor as a guest or you've driven past it on your way up to the ski slopes, there's no doubt that the central North Island's Chateau Tongariro is an iconic part of Aotearoa's landscape.

Listed as a Category One historic place by Heritage New Zealand and immortalised forever in various artworks and tea towels in homes around the country, sadly this week the nearly 100-year-old hotel will close its doors permanently. After a seismic assessment, experts dubbed the hotel unsafe for guests going forward.

"Unfortunately, and unexpectedly, the most recent seismic assessment found that underground shifts over time have meant some of the hotel infrastructure no longer meets current safety standards," a spokesperson for the hotel said in a statement.

The hotel's owners also took to Instagram to announce the news, thanking guests and locals for "the memories".

 

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Located in the Tongariro National Park near the base of Mount Ruapehu, the hotel is known best for its opulent roaring 20s decor and for its cocktail lounge, high tea, warm beds and epic views of Ngauruhoe — "Mount Doom" for Lord of the Rings fans. For almost a century it's been a haven for skiers and hikers after a long day in the mountains — and hosted more than its fair share of weddings.

Chateau Tongariro will close permanently on Sunday, February 5 — head to the hotel's Facebook page for more updates.

Top image: Micheal Straus