Firefighters have brought a large vegetation fire in Wānaka under control after 22 homes were evacuated, though crews spent the night battling strong north-westerly winds and lingering hotspots.
The cause of the large blaze, reported at about 7.30pm, was still unknown.
Fire and Emergency NZ assistant district commander Nic McQuillan said the Albert Town blaze had been contained using eight firefighting trucks and three support vehicles.
"However, conditions are very windy, and firefighters are still dealing with hotspots, flare-ups and ember transfers," he said in an update late last night.
"No houses have caught fire, although initially it was thought seven to eight properties were threatened, and police evacuated 22 homes.
"People have not yet been cleared to return to their homes. Fire and Emergency NZ is working with Police and Civil Defence."
Footage and images from the scene show flames leaping well above the treeline, with the sky glowing a deep orange as the fire rips through vegetation. One resident described embers flying down their street, with residents hosing down gardens nearby.
McQuillan earlier told RNZ crews were still trying to dampen down the fire and needed to constantly reposition, as their hoses were not long enough to reach each hot spot.
"We can contain the fire, but we are having to reposition to reach each spot. We are hoping this wind will start to die down soon."
Fire crews were notified of the blaze in Albert Town last night, with crews from Wanaka, Luggate, Lake Hawea and Cromwell responding.
The fire broke out in an area of scrub and trees behind residential houses on Lagoon Ave, Hunt Pl and McLellan Pl, running through around a kilometre of trees and scrub.
"Eight pumping appliances are now at the incident, as well as additional support vehicles", a spokesperson told 1News at the time.
"The latest information shows that no houses are threatened and multiple points of attack are underway."
Police said they were notified at 7.30pm and were at the scene carrying out evacuations and controlling traffic. McQuillan said FENZ was working with police and Civil Defence.
Queenstown Lakes District Council urged residents to follow the advice of emergency services. "Stay safe everyone," they said in a statement posted to Facebook.
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