The Powderhorn Chateau is full of New Zealand pioneering history.

Built around the original 1919 homestead of the Carter family, it dates back to Ohakune's early saw-milling days. The Carter family is one of the founders of New Zealand's timber company Carter Holt Harvey. On the walls of the hotel, photos of New Zealand's saw milling and timber era are on display.

The Powderhorn's story began back when Paul Scarf developed the Powderhorn Ski and Board shop, which opened in 1987, and from this shop grew the Powderkeg Restaurant.

The Powderkeg exploded into life during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with an innovative menu of foods prepared on sizzling hot rocks and its own special Powderkeg beer. It was always packed with customers both inside and outside in the garden bar, which often overflowed onto the streets and upset the flow of traffic! It has since built a reputation as a hugely popular après ski venue, and THE place to be on a night out in Ohakune.

Extensions took place in 1995 with the hotel, the Matterhorn Restaurant and two conference rooms built onto the original building. The Powderhorn Chateau was thus born. The original hospitality and warmth remain today, and the Powderhorn Chateau is now a favourite haven for skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, business people, filmcrews and for those who simply seek a place to relax and enjoy themselves.