Working together to renew a much-loved lodge in the heart of Tongariro National Park

The lodge at the Whakapapa Holiday Park, at the base of Mt Ruapehu within Tongariro National Park, has welcomed generations of New Zealanders and overseas visitors to one of the country’s most spectacular landscapes. Thanks to a major investment by the Department of Conservation (DOC), it has now been refurbished and upgraded to provide safer, warmer and more comfortable accommodation for years to come.

Delivered on time and on budget by DOC, Citycare Property and McGregor Construction, Citycare Property’s National Portfolio Manager Thomas Parackal says the project reflects the value of strong partnership. 

“From the beginning, there was a strong collaborative partnership between Citycare Property, DOC and the contractor,” says Thomas Parackal. “Everyone was invested in achieving the best outcome for this project and ultimately for the community.”

Located in an alpine environment in the heart of Tongariro National Park, the project presented challenges that are rarely encountered on a typical refurbishment. The team had to work through variable weather and complex logistics associated with a remote location.

“What made this project unique was the environment and the unknowns,” says Ajin Joe Mathews, Project Manager. “We were dealing with alpine weather and freezing temperatures while coordinating multiple specialist trades.”

Once work began, the team uncovered hidden issues that could not have been identified during initial investigations, including roof framing irregularities, structural deterioration and drainage deficiencies. These challenges were resolved through collaboration, allowing the programme to keep moving.

“We worked closely with DOC, engineers and our subcontractors to develop practical solutions to keep the programme moving and ultimately deliver a much stronger, longer-lasting building,” says Ajin.

The result is a significant transformation. Improvements included a complete roof replacement, structural strengthening, refurbished bathrooms, upgraded plumbing and electrical systems, new flooring and painting, improved drainage, and upgraded heating and ventilation systems.

Energy-efficiency upgrades were also a key focus, with LED lighting, improved insulation, double-glazed windows, upgraded ventilation systems and lighting controls supporting better building performance.

“From the roof to the cladding, from the toilets to the flooring, the aim was to provide safe, warm and weather-tight facilities for guests,” says Thomas. “The lodge now offers a modern, clean and welcoming space for everyone visiting Whakapapa Village.”

DOC Project Manager Jeremy Gadd has this to say about the transformation of the lodge. 

“It’s a far more welcoming and comfortable place for visitors, somewhere you’d want to return to at the end of the day after exploring the park,” says Jeremy.

"We’re incredibly fortunate to have worked with so many valued partners, including Dulux, whose paint sponsorship helped make this project possible.”

Whakapapa Village sees between 300,000 and 1 million visitors each year, making the Whakapapa Holiday Park an important community and regional asset that supports local tourism. Citycare Property is proud to have played a role in renewing a place that will continue to accommodate local and international visitors.

The completion of the project was marked with a whakatau with the local hapū, and attended by DOC leaders and staff, Citycare Property project team members, project partners, contractors and members of the wider community. The occasion recognised both the completion of the refurbishment and the collective effort behind it.

BEFORE	AFTER

BEFORE	AFTER

BEFORE	AFTER