A large scrub fire in North Canterbury is now under control, with helicopters and firefighters close to extinguishing any remaining flames.
(File image). Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Emergency services were alerted to the fire in Kēkerengū - north of Kaikōura - about 2am today.
Fire and Emergency said four helicopters and two ground crews are carrying out cleanup work.
It burned through 20 hectares of land, including a large part of the Blue Slips conservation area, managed by the Department of Conservation.
State Highway 1 and the railway line are now clear.