Waitomo attackers not likely to be locals

The operator of the Waitomo Caves is confident an attack on the popular tourist attraction is not the work of locals.

Just two weeks after a fire destroyed the visitor centre at the caves, vandals have splashed white acrylic paint on various structures and formations throughout the cave system and have painted obscenities, including the letters "F.U.N.Z".

Tourism Holdings Limited Managing Director Dennis Pickup said Waitomo residents understand how significant the caves are to the area.

Mr Pickup said they are beginning to employ security guards, something they have not needed until now.

The company is considering offering a reward to help the police investigation.

The cause of the fire is still not known.

The attraction is reopening today.

- NEWSTALK