Police find no clues to Waitomo blaze

As tourist operators prepare to reopen the Waitomo Caves for business today, police say they have found no evidence of suspicious circumstances surrounding a fire on Wednesday.

The fire, which appeared to have started soon after 2am, destroyed the visitor centre at the entrance to the popular glow-worm caves, including a ticket office, cafe, accommodation and souvenir shop.

Acting Detective Sergeant Steve Honiss, of Te Kuiti police, said that because of the total destruction of the buildings the exact cause might never be known.

Tourism Holdings Ltd (THL) runs the caves along with other businesses in the area, and is using the existing infrastructure from those businesses to assist with the continued running of the caves.

THL managing director Dennis Pickup said investigators had ruled out foul play, but he was not convinced, as people had been seen acting suspiciously around the building the night before the fire.

He pointed out that the fire was discovered around 2am.

"So I only hope that the police pursue the suspicious circumstances that prevailed, irrespective of the fact that there may not be evidence - at the site - of arson."

He said in keeping with the environment, the company was obligated to rebuild the complex in wood, and was concerned about the prospect of another fire in the future.

"Next time it could be a lot more endangering to people as opposed to property."

The caves are one of New Zealand's longest-serving tourist attractions, drawing 600,000 visitors a year.

A construction crew worked yesterday to make the site safe and ready for reopening.

Police said investigations were continuing.

- NZPA