Auckland and Waikato have moved to a restricted fire season this morning.
Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
The restrictions came into force at 8am for Auckland, and 9am for Waikato.
Fire and Emergency region manager Ron Devlin said hot and dry conditions over the holiday period had increased the fire risk.
Anyone planning on lighting an open-air fire will need a permit.
"If it is hot and windy, do not light a fire, it is just too dangerous," Devlin said.
The complete fire ban for the Thames Coromandel area and restriction of private fireworks remains in place.
The islands of the Hauraki Gulf changed to a total fire ban at the start of December.
Fire and Emergency has a [www.checkitsalright.nz website] that can help people across Aotearoa to check whether they can or cannot light a fire and for what purpose.
Local council rules may also restrict certain activities involving a fire.