Weather: Forest fires force evacuations, high temperatures to remain for North Island

Fire and Emergency NZ said crews received a call about the blaze on Waitara Rd around 5.40pm.

“We sent six rural trucks, one command unit, three urban trucks and two tankers,” a shift manager said.

“The fire is 25ha of mature pine and native, and is not currently contained.”

Firefighters have been on site overnight with three helicopters to return at first light today, Webley said.

More heat forecast today, with showers

MetService forecaster Samkelo Magwala told the Herald temperatures were forecast to remain on the hotter side today, particularly in the North Island.

“Heat alerts have been issued for most parts in the east and for the north of the North Island,” he said.

Aucklanders launched themselves into the water at Hobsonville as temperatures soared. Photo / Hayden Woodward

Continuing to be among the hottest North Island cities for Monday: Hastings and Kerikeri are expected to reach 29C, Napier, Gisborne and Whakatane expected to reach 28C, and Whitianga 27C.

But in the the South Island temperatures will drop further among yesterday’s hot spots with Kaikoura forecast for 20C, Christchurch and Timaru 19C, Ashburton 18C, and Oamaru 21C.

Magwala said a front across the top of the South Island on Sunday would move towards the bottom of the North Island last night.

Temperatures are still on their way up, but here’s a selection of some of the highest temperatures and strongest wind gusts we’ve seen today so far ♨️💨 pic.twitter.com/BRP7k0p15g

— MetService NZ (@MetService) January 11, 2026

“The rain behind it in the South Island will be easing and reducing in the North Island, mainly in the lower parts and the central parts,” he said.

“There is nothing heavy, just a few isolated showers.”

A strong wind warning was in place for the Tararua District, Wairarapa and Wellington this morning until 4am , while a strong wind watch for the Hawke’s Bay was forecast until 6am.

The NZTA was also warning of strong winds in the Central Plateau early this morning, with drivers on the Desert Road between Waiouru and Rangipo asked to take extra care.

SH1 WAIOURU TO RANGIPO (DESERT ROAD) – STRONG WINDS – 6:05AM
There is currently a strong wind warning in place along this route. Please drive with extra care, especially if travelling in a lighter or high-sided vehicle, or motorcycle. pic.twitter.com/1vt2TsKRiL

— NZ Transport Agency – Central North Island (@nztacni) January 11, 2026

Magwala said the top half of the North Island would remain mainly fine today, apart from one or two showers in Northland for the afternoon.

Earlier on Sunday, Hawke’s Bay led the national high with temperatures reaching 36.4C in Napier while nearby Hastings sat at 36.2C in the afternoon. Gisborne also hit 33.2C.

Christchurch climbed to 31.2C, while both Whāngarei and Tauranga fell just shy of 30C with highs hovering around 29C.

Auckland had steady heat throughout the day rising to around 26C in the afternoon, reaching its usual January peak temperature.

In the South Island, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said contractors were called in to clear fallen trees on State Highway 94 near Milford Sound, SH74 in Canterbury and SH6 on the West Coast.

Beating the heat, Aucklanders launched themselves into the water as temperatures soared. 11 January 2026. New Zealand Herald photograph by Hayden Woodward

A large mudslide also closed SH73 on the West Coast between Otira and Arthur’s Pass Village.

The road reopened just before 9pm after the debris was removed by contractors, but the route is still affected by surface flooding and strong winds this morning.

In Amberley, fire crews responded to gorse on fire.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said the fire, about 80m by 50m, had been contained and was being tackled by ground crews. A helicopter was considered but conditions were deemed too windy.

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