NATIONAL PARK.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 41, 18 February 1929, Page 8

NATIONAL PARK.

SITE OF THE CHATEAU.

HISTORY OF THE PROJECT.

DESCRIPTION OF BITLDINT

Tongariro National Park is an all-thc-year attraction. During three month* of the year—July, August and September— when the average tourist resort is

experiencing a quiet period, the chateau, in common with other mountain resorts, will no doubt be full of visitors for the winter sports. Close to the chateau is one of the finest skiing grounds in the southern hemisrmere. Added to this, the remarkable situation of the chateau, midway between Auckland and Wellington, and only a few miles from the Main Trunk, as well as being on the direct tourist and holiday route from Rotorua, Wairakei, Taupo, and the Wanganui River, will open up the glories of National Park in no uncertain. manner. As the north is the main track for all tourists and holidaymakers, the chateau is the key position in this great area.

The company's rights to erect the hostel at National Park are- contained in a loa«e from the Tongariro National Park Board. The lease is for a period of 42 years, and the rent payable is £75 per annum plus a share of profits equal to . r > per cent of the net profits, or Ih per cent of the gross takings (rising to 2 per cent), whichever is the greater. The lease gives the company exclusive rights to erect and maintain the hostel and huts on National Park, and to provide guides and means of transport for passengers and goods to and from the park, and to levy fees for such services on a scale authorised by the Park Board. The lease also gives tho company the sole right to sell souvenirs, curios, photographic supplier, mountain gear and clothing, smokers' requisites, provisions, supplies, etc. A provision has been made by which the company will be paid for all permanent improvements made or erected at the expiration of the lease. The head of the company is Mr. R. L. Migley, managing director of the Mount Cook Motor Company, \>hieh latter company is also associated with the Tongariro Park Tourist Company.

By November next there will have been erected the most commodious and up-to-date tourist and family hotel in the Dominion, and one which it is said will rival in comfort and convenience the great mountain resorts of America and the Continent. The hotel will be known as the Chateau. It w designed with a handsome and imposing Georgian exterior, with an Alpine garden in front.

The company ie installing its own hydro-electric plant of 200 kilowatts, which will be operated by a waterfall four miles away. The whole of the premises and grounds will be lit by electricity, while the vestibule, lounge, dining room, cinema and all bedrooms will be centrally heated on the latest principle. Thus the atmosphere within the chateau will be maintained at an even temperature.

The accommodation will be ready and the hostel opened for reception of uueists by December of this year. Special lodpe accommodation, already built, comprises dining hall and cubicles for 200 people, with bath houses, containing hot and colt water, and necessary convenienceo.

Nowhere in New Zealand and, indeed, in few parts of the world, is such a variety of sports, etc., so readily attainable. First in interest are the mountains and snow attractions. Mountaineering rock climbing, skiing, sledging and skating are all easdy accessible, with a choice of locations. In season excellent trout may be taken from the many adjacent streams beyond the bounds of the park, and the deer stalker has not to go far in search of his game. It is the intention of the company to proceed at once with the preparations of an IH-hole golf course, of championship standard, on the downs in front of the chateau. Subject to the approval of the golf council, it is ho]>ed to hold tournaments. Tennis courts and croquet and bowling greens are also planned for, all adding to the attractions of this remarkable playground.