Five more iconic apres-ski institutions
Chateau Tongariro
If you’re skiing on the Whakapapa side of Mt Ruapehu, the Chateau Tongariro is a stately establishment steeped in history — and even has a few ghost stories to throw into the mix. Located in the heart of the Tongariro National Park, the best place to relax is in the hotel’s Ruapehu Lounge on their velvet lounge suites under dramatic chandeliers, next to the log fire.
Tu¯roa Lodge
If you can’t be bothered contending with the influx of visitors to Ohakune, then Tu¯roa Lodge is where the locals hang out. There’s frequent live music and gigs, and always a questionable themed event like a wet T-shirt or jelly wrestling contest somewhere in the winter lineup.
Cardrona Hotel
The Cardrona Hotel is about as iconic as Kiwi ski pubs can get. Located on the Crown Road Range between Wa¯naka and Queenstown, the historic building from 1863 is one of the oldest hotels in New Zealand, and proudly rumoured to be the most photographed building in the country, according to the hotel. Gold-rush charm, legendary atmosphere.
Blue Pub, Methven
You can’t miss the Blue Pub in Methven, because it’s a bright blue pub in the middle of the village. It’s right opposite the Brown Pub (guess the colour). Think classic New Zealand country pub. Wooden floors, wooden barstools, a welcoming bar as you walk in — all the key ingredients.
The Cow, Queenstown
The Cow has been around for more than 40 years and has a history of hosting wild apres-ski parties and events through the decades. In a previous life, the stone barn once housed cows, which used to be brought down Cow Lane to be milked during the gold-rush era. Now it’s is a cosy bar for locals and visitors. Little has changed since it opened its doors in the late 1970s — in fact the menu remains exactly the same as opening night.
For holiday ideas, go to newzealand.com/dosomethingnew