New National Park hotel soon

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 483, 27 April 1993, Page 6

New National Park hotel soon

National Park will soon have a new amenity which should prove popular with local residents, visiting skiers and trampers alike as well as with the travelling public through the central North Island. Situated on State Highway 4 and exactly half-way between Wellington and Auckland 'Schnapps' should cater for a wide variety of needs since it is only 6 kms from Whakapapa Village and 12 kms from the RAL Whakapapa Skifield. 'Schnapps' is a licensed hotel on the main road which will provide meals, refreshment, and accommodation and en-

tertainment throughout the year. Due to be completed and operating by 5 June, partners John Adams and Hamish Sinclair, are in the final stages of construction which started just prior to last Christmas. John, originally from Auckland and Hamish originally from Warkworth, had been regular visitors to the Ruapehu region with their families for many years when they saw the potential for a high profile refreshment facility on the main road through National Park much of which is never seen by the passing travellers as

they drive north and south. Strategically placed only metres from the main road and affording uninterrupted views of Mt ' s Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, the 450 sq m (4844 sq ft) two-storey facility will offer patrons a choice of activities. The 370 sq m downstairs area includes a public bar and 50-seat restaurant area, a private lounge bar and a kitchen which will serve buffet type 'finger-food' refreshments throughout the day and a full menu at night throughout the year.

Upstairs, the 80 sq m floor area will provide accommodation for eight guests (the minimum required under the Licensed Hotels Act) as well as of-

fices, staff-room etc. In due course John Adams and Hamish Sinclair are looking to provide extra accommodation on the consider-

able area of land they have to the rear of the main building if the need arises. Future plans also include a squash court and

gymnasium beside 'Schnapps' to increase interest and the number of options available to residents and visitors alike.