Proposals sought for restoration of historic Chateau Tongariro hotel

The government is seeking proposals from operators to restore and operate the historic Chateau Tongariro hotel in the Central North Island at the base of Mt Ruapehu.

The heritage building has been sitting empty since it was closed in February 2023 due to earthquake risk, after more than 90 years in business.

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced the new process will identify operators capable of restoring the building, while also respecting the area's unique conservation values.

Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton says it's a significant step forward for saving the heritage building and bringing more tourists to the district.

It's situated near the Tongariro Crossing Alpine Walk which brings in around 100,000 visitors each year for the spectacular 19 kilometre volcanic hike.

"We've got two parts to it, one is that we've got the tender process for the Chateau," Kirton said

"The other is to see what the government is saying about the concessions, meaning that anyone that is going to bid for the Chateau needs to have certainty that they've got it for a reasonable period - some were suggesting 100 years."

The Chateau was built in 1929 within the boundaries of the Tongariro National Park to encourage tourism within the park.

The conservation minister said it has long been an iconic destination for visitors and was an important part of the region's identity.

"The Request for Proposals (RFP), opening on 19 March 2026, invites interested parties to put forward plans that recognise both the heritage significance of the Chateau and the cultural importance of Tongariro National Park," Potaka said.

"The Chateau is a landmark many New Zealanders have visited for holidays to school trips and international visitors experiencing Tongariro for the first time."

Restoring the building will help ensure the area continues to attract visitors while supporting local businesses and tourism in the wider region.

"We are looking for proposals that balance commercial viability with conservation values, respect for tangata whenua aspirations, and the unique character of Tongariro National Park."

The RFP process will help identify operators capable of restoring the building while ensuring it remains consistent with the values of one of New Zealand's most important national parks.

National Party MP for Whanganui Carl Bates has welcomed the announcement calling it "great news".

"The Chateau is a landmark many New Zealanders have visited for holidays to school trips and international visitors experiencing Tongariro for the first time. Restoring the building will help ensure the area continues to attract visitors while supporting local businesses and tourism in the wider region."

Kirton said it showed the government was serious about restoring the building and bringing certainty around the lease of the land.

"We know now that the government is serious about looking for potential bidders - those who have balance sheets to revitalise the Chateau."

He was aware of companies that could bring the heritage-listed building back to its former glory.

"There are people around. We'll be meeting one of them this weekend," he said.

"I think it's a long way towards saving it, but there's a lot of work to be done on behalf of the Department of Conservation and the National Park Acts of Parliament need to be adjusted.

"The government could well work through the existing legislation to allow this to proceed. All I can do is relay to the government that it's important for our district and the country to save the chateau because of its heritage status."

Tenders are open from 19 March to 21 April 2026.

Potaka said a panel will assess all proposals it receives.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.