The dry weather could force the closure of a popular Wellington island.
The Department of Conservation has announced that from this weekend the public will be required to leave Matiu Somes Island at 1pm to reduce the chance of fires starting.
DoC ranger Jo Greenman says the ban could extend even further.
"If this weather pattern continues, then it is likely that the island will go to a full closure, and that will mean that no visitors will be able to come and all overnight bookings and campsite bookings would be cancelled."
The ban aims to protect the endangered species that live on the island like Tuatara and giant Cook Strait Weta.
