If you have any queries about the hotel, please check the list of frequently asked questions below. If your question hasn’t been addressed or answered satisfactorily, you can contact our helpful staff directly on (+64) 7 892 3809, or by email.
The Ski Field is about 10 minutes away by car. There is parking available but please note that on weekends visitors are required to book car parks the Wednesday prior to arrival. For more information click here.
The start of the Crossing trail is around 20 minutes’ drive away. Ask about transportation options at our front reception area.
Our reception staff is happy to help with any questions, and the Department of Conservation Visitors Centre is an easy 5-minute walk from the front door.
Yes, there’s plenty of free parking available for hotel guests.
We have a heated indoor plunge pool on the lower ground floor, ideal for soaking and relaxing.
Check-in time is from 3 PM, and check-out is 10 AM.
As with many hotels in New Zealand and Australia, we do charge a 3% surcharge for AMEX and 2% surcharge on all credit card settlements at checkout – including foreign debit card transactions.
We partner with Dempsey Buses, which provides a shuttle service with the Northern Explorer Train Service and Intercity and Naked Bus services to National Park. The current cost is 15 NZD one way, per person. Please advise us of your transport needs at the time of booking or at least 24 hours prior to arrival – and let us know on which bus service you are arriving. This charge can be put to your room account.
Our Transport partner Dempsey Buses provides a return service for the Alpine Crossing. Their service is seasonal, with running times based on the weather conditions. They will collect you from the hotel and return you back to the hotel. You can make the booking when you check into the hotel and can charge it to your room account. You do not need to pre-book prior to arrival, as the service is weather-dependent.
We can provide packed lunches throughout the year and they are popular for the Alpine Crossing walkers. You can order them the evening before you require them and we ensure they are ready prior to your arranged transport times.
Yes, we have facilities to store your bags and bikes while you are out on your days activities.
Yes, we have a guest laundry with coin-operated washing machines, dryers and detergent dispensers in the lower ground floor. Your room key provides access to the facilities.
Yes, we have a drying room in the lower ground floor to dry all your wet gear. Your room key provides access.
Towels are available in the pool area.
Yes, there are changing rooms for ladies and men in the pool area.
To avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend that you book for dinner in both the Ruapehu Room and Pihanga. You can do this by emailing reservations@chateau.co.nz or calling the hotel on +64 7 892 3809. It is also possible to book in person at the restaurants.
We have seasonal packages available for winter, as well as the very popular Celebration Package, ideal for that trip away to pamper yourselves. Midweek packages are also available based on the season.
We have a limited supply of cots we can make available for your stay. As not all room sizes can accommodate the cots, please communicate your needs at the time of booking. We will do our best to assist you.
Other than a small retail space at the hotel for the essentials and a small corner store at the Motor Camp, there are no shops in the immediate area. The National Park Petrol station and 4 Square (a small local food mart) are 15 minutes drive away.
There are no cash machines in the immediate area. The closest ATMs are at Ohakune, Turangi and Taumarunui; all these towns are 40 minutes drive from the hotel. Unfortunately, we can not do cash-out at the Reception Desk or at the hotel’s Food and Beverage facilities.
The staff at reception have detailed walking maps of all Department of Conservation tracks in the immediate area.
There are no mineral hot pools at the hotel or village. The nearest ones are the Tokaanu Hot pools at 40 minutes drive from the hotel.
The best way to get to the hotel from the south is via State Highway 49 (Waiouru to Ohakune) and then State Highway 4, which takes you to National Park Village. From National Park Village, take State Highway 47 until you get to 48, which is the highway on which the hotel is located.
Occasionally, State Highways 47 and 48 may be closed in the mornings for snow clearing. It is extremely rare for these roads to be closed past 11am. We have not had any issues with guests accessing the village by 3pm, which is when our check-in time begins.
Both Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (up on the ski field) and Edge to Edge (located in the village) provide rental equipment. Edge to Edge provides clothing as well. There are other equipment rental locations at National Park Village and Turangi.
Dempsey Buses provide snow transport to eliminate the hassle of going up the mountain. Please contact staff at the Reception desk for current timetable, pricing and booking.
No pets are allowed EXCEPT for service animals specifically trained to aid a person with a disability.
We have two complimentary Electric Vehicle chargers located in the guest carpark outside the executive offices. The two bays are marked with blue lines and Electric Vehicle signage next to the docking stations.
The discount is applied to the original room rate. If you are booking as a member, an additional 5% discount is then applied to the already discounted rate.
We are looking at ways to improve the online experience. Also, booking online enables you to provide your personal details in a more secure way through our booking engine than over the phone or via email.
