Pilots will be heading out this morning to battle a large fire near Queenstown that has burned since yesterday afternoon.
The blaze broke out at Walter Peak Station, spreading to 390ha and sending smoke billowing across the area.
Yesterday, Fire and Emergency NZ Assistant District Commander Nic McQuillan said about 25 firefighters and incident management support personnel were at the scene on the 1800m mountain, supported by six helicopters.
Initial efforts were focused on protecting the homestead as it began "spreading rapidly up the steep slopes of Mount Nicholas", he said.
"Smoke from the fire is being blown across the lake towards Jacks Point and Hanleys Farm, and is likely to move towards Queenstown."
In an update last night, McQuillan said there were "three areas of active fire", which was not contained.
"Efforts to protect the Walter Peak homestead and other buildings in its vicinity have been successful," he said.
Fire and Emergency Otago said pilots were being briefed this morning before heading back out.
"Ground operations will get underway at 7.30am. Conditions are relatively calm at the moment but we expect things to get more challenging when the wind gets up this morning.
"Boat operators must stay well away from Walter Peak shores today so they don't endanger our helicopter pilots filling monsoon buckets from the lake."
A further update was due around 9am.
Residents in areas affected by the smoke were advised to keep their doors and windows closed to avoid exposure.
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