Francesca Rudkin: Chateau Tongariro closes today - why it's a big deal

Last week, before the weather turned, my 14 year old daughter and I set off from just behind the Chateau Tongariro, on an overnight tramp in National Park. As we went past the Chateau she said, I’d really like to stay there one day. Instead, I had a DOC hut lined up for her! It was my daughter’s first stay in a hut so we picked the flash one – Waihohonu, about a 15.3km walk from Chateau, and sitting between the majestic Mount Ruapehu and Ngāuruhoe. Throughout my childhood, and my children’s, I have spent a lot of time in National Park, - skiing, walking or running some of the fabulous trail running events in the region. I can highly recommend the Tussock Traverse which is taking place on March 11th as part of the Ruapehu Trail Festival if you’re after a challenge! I never tire of driving towards the base of the imposing Mount Ruapehu; a drive made all the more unique by the large neo-Georgian facade of the building that rests below it, known by most of us as just the ‘Chateau’. A landmark heritage building, it was built in 1929 on land gifted to the people of New Zealand by Ngāti Tūwharetoa paramount chief Horonuku Te Heuheu Tūkino in 1887. I’ve never stayed at the Chateau, but have popped in many times. It has got a little shabby over the years, but even in its faded glory there’s something magical about it. So I was sad to hear the announcement on Tuesday that this iconic hotel was closing its doors permanently today. Many of you will have wonderful memories of time spent at the Chateau – I can’t imagine the number of weddings, engagements, and honeymoons it has witnessed. The birthday parties, family holidays and special occasions. The memories of walks and incredible views associated with it. It has also been used as an army post and asylum. Oh yes, the stories it could tell. Safety and financial concerns are finally forcing the Chateau to close after a recent seismic survey has indicated extensive structural work needs to be done. The previous hotel operator – who has been running the chateau for 30 years - has decided to step away from the operation, and the Department of Conservation is now on the hunt for new operators. My thoughts are with the locals. The same locals who saw their region suffer throughout Covid and a lousy ski season last year. It’s a region already struggling and facing some serious questions about the viability of its tourism attractions. This latest announcement feels like a kick in the guts. It’s a tough ask to find an operator who has the time and money to make this hotel viable, but I really hope they find one. I’ve said it before, but I think the Tongaririo National Park is one of the most unique and spiritual landscapes around. My daughter and I have already done the Crossing, and so last week I wanted to take her somewhere new. On day 2 of our tramp we walked from the Waihohonu Hut to the Tukino Rd. This is one of my favourite parts of the park, as suddenly and without warning the vegetation stops and you step into the desert. In two and a half hours we’d travelled across different worlds, and didn’t see a soul. A special time in a special place. Some may come for the grandeur of the park, some for the high tea. I just hope they get the choice to come for both. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.