By RNZ
State Highway 7 near Hanmer Springs has reopened, as crews work to extinguish a scrub fire in Canterbury.
Firefighters have been at the scene of a large vegetation fire on Lewis Pass Road in Hurunui throughout the night, battling to bring it under control.
Around 40 firefighters, 20 Fire and Emergency trucks, tankers and support vehicles and nine helicopters were at the scene around Island Hills.
Several houses on SH7 were evacuated and people were asked to stay away from the area.
