Residents of Kaimaumau village in the Far North have been allowed to return home after they were asked to evacuate "immediately" on Saturday afternoon due to the ongoing scrub fire.
They were asked to take a change of clothing and head to Waiharara School.
Fire and Emergency NZ incident controller John Sutton gave the "urgent update" via Facebook just after 2pm on Saturday.
However, in an update around 8.20pm, Sutton said all residents and visitors evacuated from Kaimaumau have returned home.
Sutton urged people to stay off the beach between Kaimaumau and Houhora for the next few days, and to keep well away from the fireground, though.
In a statement he said a wind change had pushed a "backing fire" over containment lines near the village, which has been evacuated as a precaution.
The blaze, which started on December 18, now has a perimeter of more than 31 kilometres. (Source: 1News)
"This is an active fire and we cannot ensure the safety of any member of the public who chooses to go in there," Sutton said.
"Extra helicopters have been brought in and fire crews are in place to protect homes and other structures in the village."
The fire, which is on Department of Conservation land, started on December 18.
The Waiharara fire has been burning in an area of about 2370 hectares with a 31km perimeter.
There are many fires still burning inside the firebreaks, but other hazards at the scene include fire-damaged trees, deep holes left by gum diggers, peat fires burning underground and areas of wetland.
Crews will monitor the fire overnight.
On Sunday, four helicopters with six bulldozers and excavators will be supporting the fire crews.
The village was first evacuated on December 19, with residents unable to return until December 22.
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