An historic homestead in central Otago has been razed by a fire the police are treating as suspicious.
(file photo). Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
The fire at the Mount Aurum homestead, one of the few buildings remaining from the goldrush era of Skippers, was noticed at about 2am.
Police said at least three groups of people camped in the area and they want to hear from a couple who had a maroon-coloured vehicle.
The wooden building adjoined the stone Skippers School structure.
The area has a Category 2 rating from Heritage New Zealand, and is a Department of Conservation campsite.
