Chateau Tongariro Chandelier

No, we did not stay in the Chateau.

We travelled down to Tongariro with friends from our photography club, and so we stayed at a hostel, The Ski Haus. Let’s just say it was basic. Our room could have slept five – contained nothing but beds and the tiniest bedside table. Not even a rubbish bin – never mind a chest of drawers or television or clock, though it did have an en suite bathroom, which is really our minimum standard requirement. But it was cheap and comfortable and had a great view. I am sure the Chateau was also very comfortable and definitely had million dollar views – but cost three times what the Ski Haus charged for our room. ($78NZ for the big room with ensuite, but only $22 per night for folks sleeping in the dorms.)

We had intended to go there for high tea on our last day, but they did not serve until 11 and we were keen to get on the road. So instead of tea-cakes and nibbles and coffee and tea served in fine china, we pulled out our cameras and started clicking… The Chateau was built in 1929, before the crash, and is an antipodean tribute to the luxury of the day. It has been meticulously maintained and undergone a few restorations over the years, but managed to avoid the kind of gutting renovation so popular in the 60s and 70s. The lobby and public rooms are like a movie set – still the 1920s, with sumptuous draperies, velveteen furniture, heavy wooden tables. But the centrepiece is this wonderful chandelier in the middle of the main lounge. Simply stunning…

Maybe we’ll stay there next time. Maybe… or maybe it will be the Ski Haus again… here’s our room as we were packing up to go… we managed to both fit on the double bed, though it did involve a bit of snuggling and cuddling to keep from falling off…