New Zealand's iconic Grand Chateau Tongariro will close permanently on February 5

The Grand Chateau Tongariro will close permanently on this weekend (Sunday 5 February).

The Chateau, located in the Tongariro National Park, has been in consultation with the Department of Conservation (DOC) regarding the renewal of its 30-year lease, which expired in April 2020.

As part of the hotel’s due diligence in preparing to renew the lease, it had specialists conduct site and seismic assessments as part of plans to renovate the building and surrounding infrastructure.

But the most recent seismic assessment found that underground shifts over time meant some of the hotel infrastructure no longer met current safety standards.

To ensure the safety of those at the hotel, including its 36 staff, the decision was made to close it.

Chateau Tongariro Hotel's parent company senior vice-president Kevin Peeris said it was disappointing and sad that the iconic hotel would have to shut its doors "despite initial plans to invest in its long-term future."

The hotel said it was supporting directly affected staff.