High tea at Chateau Tongariro

 

Chateau Tongariro is an iconic New Zealand hotel, dating from 1929, built on the lower slopes of Mount Ruapehu. It was originally constructed to attract visitors to the newly established Tongaririo National Park and for much of its life was operated by the Government owned New Zealand Tourist Hotel Corporation. Since 1990 it has been privately operated.  

The hotel has a somewhat faded grandeur, but its spacious lounge, restaurant and bars still offer a taste of the hospitality of times past. One of its claims to continuing fame is the High Tea that is served between 11am and 5pm each day in the Ruapehu Lounge, and which brings devotees of Devonshire scones and petits fours from far and wide. If you are travelling out from Waimarama Lodge, a stop at the Chateau for tea will guarantee a relaxed interlude.