A small number of homes and luxury hotel Braemar Lodge have been evacuated near Hanmer Springs because of a large fire.
Firefighters are struggling to reach the fire approximately 4.5km southeast of Hanmer Springs in North Canterbury, due to roads being blocked by downed trees.
State Highway 7 is closed between Waipara and Springs Junction, as well as State Highway 7A, the turnoff to Hanmer Springs.
Fire and Emergency (FENZ) Assistant Commander Ken Cooper said crews are trying to clear the debris so fire trucks can get to the scene.
Cooper said two helicopters have made it to the scene and one of them is battling the blaze while the other monitors.
He said the fire is not contained.
Fire at Hanmer Springs.
Photo: Supplied / Gavin Martin
No properties are currently threatened by fire, FENZ said.
Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell told Midday Report police had already sent more staff in to the area.
He didn’t have a lot of detail but said the winds were posing problems for emergency services.
Photo: Supplied / Sam Rutherford
‘Horrendous’ winds pummel Hanmer
Hanmer has been one of the hardest hit areas by Thursday’s weather, with severe gales forecast up to 200km/h.
Hurunui Mayor Marie Black said “horrendous” winds have caused widespread damage across the district, which includes Hanmer.
A power outage is affecting more than 1600 people in the Hanmer Springs area, and residents are being asked to conserve water due to disruption at the council’s pump sheds.
Black said there’s trees and powerlines down.
She said the council is asking people to act cautiously, and heed the advice of emergency management officials to stay home and look after their neighbours.
Mitchell said the Canterbury High Country is experiencing the worst of the winds, although the effects of this weather event is being felt “everywhere”.
Canterbury High Country is under a red wind warning until 5pm on Thursday, while Christchurch and Canterbury Plains are under the warning until 4pm on Thursday. This warning means there is a threat to life.
Wellington, including Wairarapa, Marlborough, Clutha and Southland are also under red wind warnings on Thursday.