The once proud and historic Chateau Tongariro Hotel, a recognised heritage building, now stands as a haunting shell of its former glory.
Photos obtained by 1News reveal the full extent of the damage and show the first glimpse inside since the doors were shut. Furniture, TVs, artwork, curtains, and even the chandeliers are still in place.
The deserted corridors, once bustling with life, now echo with emptiness.
Mid-week in the central plateau the region was bustling with international tourists, all out of luck for a cuppa at the old lady.
“I was surprised how empty it is here – it’s a ghost town. I was hoping to stay the night or get some dinner,” one disappointed tourist said.
The site's previous operator chose not to renew its lease due to earthquake strengthening and the ongoing struggles with ski seasons, signalling the start of the property's downfall.
However, an independent building appraisal has revealed a far grimmer situation than anticipated.
A comprehensive 147-page document has outlined the extensive repairs required, highlighting 180 necessary fixes and 56 urgent repairs.
Ruapehu mayor Weston Kirton expressed the need for more urgency.
"It's really frustrating because it's been sort of the pride of the community for so many years, nearly 90 years of activity in tourism and accommodation. So, to not have this is just a big hit,” Kirton said.
“The hotel is the jewel in the crown for attracting long-staying tourism numbers.
“I think the local people have had enough of excuses and I think the government and DOC need to come to the community and have a meeting to help resolve some of the questions many are asking.”
Amid discussions about who will foot the estimated $5 million repair bill, legal action looms on the horizon.
"It's up to DOC as to how far they go with this to get some compensation for the lack of maintenance. Whether it's with legal action or courts will determine," Kirton said.
Since the business closed a local food truck operator has reaped the tourism rewards.
"I would easily say 100 to 200 coffees today and 150 toasted sandwiches – it's great business," Marama Isherwood said.
And they have even served up a recent order for a possible new owner who flew in to assess the building.
“The men that got out of that chopper, were the men in black,” she said.
“When they did front up to the coffee cart, I simply said to them 'what are you guys up to?' They pointed at the hotel. Their very words were 'we want that', pointing to the hotel.”
She believes the group was from a major global hotel chain.
“That's when I asked 'what would stop you from buying it?' and he said the other two offers on the table and the fact that he did say 'we have deep pockets too',” Isherwood said.
The fate of the historic landmark hangs in the balance as the community eagerly awaits news of its potential revival.
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