Locals say that Whakapapa village — a once bustling recreation hub on the flanks of Mt Ruapehu — has lost its mojo following the closure of Chateau Tongariro two years ago.
The building located near Mount Ruapehu was shut indefinitely in February 2023 due to its high earthquake risk, and the building still required extensive seismic strengthening.
The 96-year-old hotel employed between 70 and 100 people, which sustained businesses around it including the Whakapapa tavern and a cafeteria. A row of utility buildings behind the Chateau, many of which housed hotel workers, remain empty and in disrepair.
Ruapehu district mayor Weston Kirton said “we’re getting mixed messages” following the Government’s recent push toward more tourism and investment.
“The Government tells us they’re open for business, they want to see visitors come. This is the time where they’ve got to step up and show the regions that they care for the regions and The Chateau would be a good place to start.”
Its former operator, Kah New Zealand, has returned its stewardship to the Department of Conservation — costing taxpayers around $2 million a year for basic maintenance.
Ngati Hikairo kaumatua Te Ngaehe Wanikau, described its current state as looking like something out of Fawlty Towers, and the surrounding buildings as decrepit.
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He said Whakapapa Village was a portal to an internationally recognised World Heritage Area , and how the village was presented reflects how it was valued.
“If I was a visitor from overseas coming here I would not think they value it much,’ he said.
Whakapapa Holdings Limited were waiting for sign off to operate the Whakapapa ski field. If they’re successful, that should happen next month.
WHL director Dave Mazey said that they are interested in taking on the empty ancilliary buildings in an attempt to bring life back to the village. They are also making a bid to restore The Chateau.
“Having the Chateau trading adds value to our ski business,” he said.
Despite the state of the village, he hoped WHL could soon sell season passes. Opposite the Chateau, a coffee cart is doing a roaring trade and they’ll be there for the ski season.
Any new operator of The Chateau will have to have some hefty financial backing. Along with the cost of earthquake strengthening, there are urgent repairs needed and refurbishment on top of that. A figure of one hundred million is doing the rounds.
Last year, the Department of Conservation suspended their call for potential investors in The Chateau but have since put out the call for interested operators.
In a statement, DOC told Q&A, that it had commenced an Expressions of Interest process to determine whether there is any market interest in the Chateau. That, according to the statement, will inform Cabinet’s decision. No deadline was indicated.
The Ruapehu mayor does not want to see the process dragging on. He urges people to sign his parliamentary petition to put pressure on officials. He says MPs in the greater Tongariro area have been very positive but he wants cabinet ministers to come to Whakapapa while crucial decisions are being made.
“Come and talk to the local people to help make a final decision that is not only in the best interest of our region but New Zealand and the world.”