Fires that engulfed thousands of hectares in Christchurch's Port Hills have left insurers with an $18 million bill, the industry says.
The blazes in February prompted the evacuations of hundreds of homes and sent plumes of smoke across the city for days.
At the time Civil Defence said at least nine homes had been destroyed and two damaged along with farm buildings.
The Insurance Council has now confirmed it has paid $17.7 million in about 160 fire-related claims.
The bill includes $10.2m in house and contents insurance, $7.3m in business insurance and $165,000 in vehicle insurance.
