Fire crews are focusing on dampening down hotspots that remain around the ravaged Lake Ōhau village.
Photo: RNZ / Anan Zaki
Fire and Emergency said 48 structures in the village have been destroyed and more than 5000 hectares burnt in the fire which began in the early hours on Sunday.
Six crews are returning to the site today and expect to have a 50m containment line in place for 95 percent of the perimeter by nightfall. The containment line ensures the fire cannot spread if it reignites.
The remaining 5 percent of the perimeter is in steep terrain and has a 10m containment line in place.
Fire and Emergency spokesman Rob Hands said crews would maintain a small presence at the site over the weekend.
Access to Lake Ōhau village remains limited and the road is still closed to the public.
The Waitaki district's mayor Gary Kircher said the area will take years to recover from the fire.
He said the clean up will be complicated, as power lines have been burnt and other infrastructure damaged, but residents will persevere.
"It's not something where really things are going to be fixed in a few weeks or even a few months. It's definitely something that's going to go on for the next couple of years as rebuild happens.
"But we just totally appreciate the support of from everyone from all over New Zealand - the community absolutely feels the love that it's getting."
Joy when dog found
A dog which went missing during the fire at Lake Ōhau has been reunited with its owner.
Milo, the five-year-old kelpie and rescue dog, went missing on Sunday morning.
Her owner, Norm Mackay, lost his home and belongings in the fire, and said when Milo spotted him yesterday afternoon, she just sprinted to him.
The reunion had brought some relief in what has been a tough week, however, his two cats are still missing.
On Wednesday a couple who were reunited with their cat and pet lamb likened the experience to winning Lotto.