Police know who burnt down skifield cafe

Police have a "pretty good idea" who burnt down Whakapapa skifield's Knoll Ridge cafe 16 months ago but lack the evidence for an arrest, says the officer heading the inquiry.

As a bigger and better cafe is set to open in its place for the coming season, Detective Chris Chapman, of Taumarunui police, said the arson case remained open but unsolved.

Police were confident the suspect was not local person, he said.

Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) general manager Dave Mazey said he was disappointed in the early days when it looked like no-one would be arrested for the $10 million fire but he had since "moved on".

"When the indications were that the individual of interest had no association with the region, the company, or skiing and snowboarding, I said 'I'll move on now'."

The replacement facilities, which he described as "stunning", are scheduled to be open from the second week of August.

In the meantime, a temporary cafe and adjoining toilets facilities will open in time for the start of the season next week.

- NZPA