Powderhorn Chateau in the heart of World Heritage country

On the doorstep of Mt Ruapehu.

Powderhorn Chateau, a former ski lodge and now an award-winning boutique hotel on the southern slopes of Mt Ruapehu, has been placed on the market.

"Last year the hotel was named Trip Advisor Travellers' Choice winner and was also the joint winner of the Most Innovative Business at the Ruapehu Tourism Awards," says Paul Dixon of Bayleys Central Auckland, who is marketing it with colleague Shiona Dyer, for sale by tender closing on April 10.

The freehold property at 194 Mangawhero Tce, occupies a 2960sq m site in Ohakune's commercial zone.

"The Powderhorn Chateau has catered to a growing range of visitors and events since it opened in 1995 and has grown in parallel with the flourishing tourism market," Dixon says.

"The chateau is the only business of its kind in the area, combining the facilities of an upmarket hotel with the ambience of an alpine lodge right on the doorstep of world renowned Tongariro National Park."

The hotel chateau features 30 interior suites and a private apartment. Each room has a luxurious bed and large bathroom. Suites also have a seating area and work desk.

The luxury apartment has a spacious open plan lounge and dining area, making it ideal for larger groups, families or visitors seeking extra privacy. A generous private balcony accommodates alfresco dining facilities overlooking the Mangawhero River and Tongariro National Park.

The licensed Powderkeg restaurant and bar at the centre of the chateau caters for up to 400 diners and is open seven days a week serving seasonal cuisine.

The second restaurant and bar, The Matterhorn, is located on the second level of the chateau and can seat up to 120 diners. It is available year-round for private functions such as weddings, conferences, corporate functions and special occasions. French doors from the restaurant open out on to a balcony for al fresco dining.

Additional conference rooms in the hotel can provide for up to 60 people.

Dixon says the Powderhorn Chateau has been constructed to the standards of the new earthquake-proof code and incorporates radical concepts in design and engineering that allow the building to shift with earth movement without risk of collapse.

He says the hotel is situated in a region that is one of only a handful of sites around the world to be granted dual natural and cultural World Heritage status by Unesco.

Scenic features include volcanic peaks, dense forests, thermal hot springs and many walking tracks including the well-known Tongariro Crossing which attracts tourists throughout the year.

In addition to the original ski shop and Powderkeg restaurant, the chateau has been developed to include 30 luxury suites and a private apartment, two restaurants and bars, a heated indoor swimming pool and an onsite ski and snowboard rental and retail store.

Dixon says the chateau is a popular destination for skiers, mountain enthusiasts, adventurers and those seeking somewhere to celebrate a special occasion.

The Powderhorn offers the closest accommodation to Turoa ski field with Whakapapa ski field only 30 minutes away, making it ideal for skiers requiring accommodation, restaurant and bar facilities in the winter.

Other popular pursuits for visitors include taking on the Tongariro National Park cycleway and visiting a number of nearby film locations from the Lord of the Rings.

Dixon says new owners will take on a business with a range of revenue streams. "There is also scope to develop and grow the business to meet demand."