One of Mt Taranaki's most popular backcountry huts has burnt to the ground.
Department of Conservation (DoC) staff today confirmed Lake Dive Hut had been destroyed by a fire. The cause remains unknown at this stage. Although it has yet to be firmly established, it's thought the hut burnt down over the weekend.
A tramper reported the incident to DoC on Monday morning and DoC staff confirmed the report the same day. A fire investigator, police and DoC staff will assess the hut remains today to determine a cause of the fire.
DoC Taranaki operations manager Gareth Hopkins says the hut was a popular weekend overnight tramping destination, and part of the multi-day Around the Mountain Circuit.
"Many people will have fond memories of staying overnight there – it's quite a loss."