Police in National Park are investigating a suspicious fire that has burned down a café and workshop on the Ruapehu ski fields.
Fire crews are this morning fighting to save the ski area's chairlift, with the cost of damage already believed to be over $2m.
The fire started around midnight last night (Friday, February 13) but fire crews and police had to wait until daylight hours to start tackling the blaze due to the lack of road access. Around 7.15am crews and equipment were airlifted into the area and water is being used from the nearby reservoir.
The Knoll Ridge Café has burned down and the Cat Shed about 150m away from the café, which stores snow groomers, fuel and other ski equipment has also fallen victim to the blaze.
Thankfully no-one has been injured during the fire.
New Zealand Fire Service, Fire Safety and Ruapehu Alpine Lift are working to put the fire out. DOC is setting up pumps.
The road to the ski fields is currently closed.
Police want to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious last night to contact the police.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.