Location location
The iconic Chateau Tongariro is located within Whakapapa Village - in the heart of the Tongariro National Park and was constructed in 1929.
Towering above the desert in the middle of New Zealand's north island, breathtaking Mount Ruapehu is an active volcano and highest peak with unimpeded, awe inspiring views reaching all the way to the coast. The remarkable alpine terrain is capped off by its own crater lake, warmed by volcanic activity, steaming at the summit. Mount Ruapehu is enjoyed year round by hikers, skiers, snowboarders, botanists, geologists and nature lovers alike.
As a live volcano, there will always be some risk of both eruptions and lahar flow on Mount Ruapehu. To mitigate that risk for outdoor enthusiasts, precautionary measures including sophisticated early warning systems are in place. The last major eruption was in 1996 and the last lahar was in March 2007.
As I was rummaging through the giftshop in the nearby visitor centre, I happened to open a book with B&W
apocalyptic picture of this hotel with a giant eruption cloud right behind it! How is this place still standing and smiling as it never happened? A little moment that made me realise how resilient the New Zealanders must be!
Location location
The iconic Chateau Tongariro is located within Whakapapa Village - in the heart of the Tongariro National Park and was constructed in 1929.
Towering above the desert in the middle of New Zealand's north island, breathtaking Mount Ruapehu is an active volcano and highest peak with unimpeded, awe inspiring views reaching all the way to the coast. The remarkable alpine terrain is capped off by its own crater lake, warmed by volcanic activity, steaming at the summit. Mount Ruapehu is enjoyed year round by hikers, skiers, snowboarders, botanists, geologists and nature lovers alike.
As a live volcano, there will always be some risk of both eruptions and lahar flow on Mount Ruapehu. To mitigate that risk for outdoor enthusiasts, precautionary measures including sophisticated early warning systems are in place. The last major eruption was in 1996 and the last lahar was in March 2007.
As I was rummaging through the giftshop in the nearby visitor centre, I happened to open a book with B&W
apocalyptic picture of this hotel with a giant eruption cloud right behind it! How is this place still standing and smiling as it never happened? A little moment that made me realise how resilient the New Zealanders must be!