Tongariro National Park
Mordor
The journey from Taupo to the Grand Chateau encompasses SHI, encircling Lake Taupo and leading to Turangi, a favored halt for anglers keen on exploring the renowned Tongariro River. When planning to fish the New Zealand lakes, securing a license from information centers or local Department of Conservation (DOC) offices is a prerequisite, and it's prudent to verify the local fishing season.
Upon reaching Rangipo, a right turn onto SH46 is in order. After covering 41 km, make a left onto SH48, and you'll find the Grand Chateau an additional 10 km away. Pause at Tawhai Falls, located 4 km along this route, and embark on a brief twenty-minute stroll. This jaunt unveils the falls, an attraction well deserving of your time. The image of a beech and toatoa-fringed river cascading over an ancient lava flow into a rocky basin can effortlessly evoke thoughts of Henneth Annûn.
The Grand Chateau, a quintessential gem in New Zealand's lodging landscape, nestles in splendid seclusion at the base of Mt Ruapehu within the Tongariro National Park. A mere hour's drive south from Taupo, this hotel, erected in the 1920s, showcases towering floor-to-ceiling windows designed to capture the panoramic vistas.
For several weeks, The Lord of the Rings team utilized this establishment. Their headquarters was the conference room, while the cinema was employed for viewing film rushes. Staying at this hotel offers a unique privilege—the ability to venture 15 minutes and find oneself immersed in the heart of Mordor.
The North Island's loftiest peak, Mt Ruapehu (2796 m), boasts a tumultuous history. Eruptions during the last century scattered ash as far south as Wellington. The simmering crater exudes strong acidity, occasionally expelling mud and rocks downslope. As part of an expansive volcanic chain stretching to Tonga, sophisticated seismic instruments provide ample advance notice in the event of impending volcanic activity.
Upon reaching Rangipo, a right turn onto SH46 is in order. After covering 41 km, make a left onto SH48, and you'll find the Grand Chateau an additional 10 km away. Pause at Tawhai Falls, located 4 km along this route, and embark on a brief twenty-minute stroll. This jaunt unveils the falls, an attraction well deserving of your time. The image of a beech and toatoa-fringed river cascading over an ancient lava flow into a rocky basin can effortlessly evoke thoughts of Henneth Annûn.
The Grand Chateau, a quintessential gem in New Zealand's lodging landscape, nestles in splendid seclusion at the base of Mt Ruapehu within the Tongariro National Park. A mere hour's drive south from Taupo, this hotel, erected in the 1920s, showcases towering floor-to-ceiling windows designed to capture the panoramic vistas.
For several weeks, The Lord of the Rings team utilized this establishment. Their headquarters was the conference room, while the cinema was employed for viewing film rushes. Staying at this hotel offers a unique privilege—the ability to venture 15 minutes and find oneself immersed in the heart of Mordor.
The North Island's loftiest peak, Mt Ruapehu (2796 m), boasts a tumultuous history. Eruptions during the last century scattered ash as far south as Wellington. The simmering crater exudes strong acidity, occasionally expelling mud and rocks downslope. As part of an expansive volcanic chain stretching to Tonga, sophisticated seismic instruments provide ample advance notice in the event of impending volcanic activity.
Chateau Tongariro Hotel
The Grand Chateau, alternatively referred to as the Chateau Tongariro, stood as a hotel and resort complex situated in proximity to the Whakapapa skifield, nestled on the inclines of Mount Ruapehu. It occupied a space within the confines of Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's eldest national park. Its location also brought it in close proximity to the volcanic summits of Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. The edifice reached completion in 1929 and, despite undergoing substantial refurbishments, it has managed to retain much of the design characteristic of the pre-Depression era. This historical site is designated as a Category 1 historic place by Heritage New Zealand. The Chateau Tongariro Hotel ceased operations permanently on the 5th of February, 2023.
The Grand Chateau, alternatively referred to as the Chateau Tongariro, stood as a hotel and resort complex situated in proximity to the Whakapapa skifield, nestled on the inclines of Mount Ruapehu. It occupied a space within the confines of Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's eldest national park. Its location also brought it in close proximity to the volcanic summits of Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. The edifice reached completion in 1929 and, despite undergoing substantial refurbishments, it has managed to retain much of the design characteristic of the pre-Depression era. This historical site is designated as a Category 1 historic place by Heritage New Zealand. The Chateau Tongariro Hotel ceased operations permanently on the 5th of February, 2023.