Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland evacuated after fire south of Rotorua

A bush fire south of Rotorua has forced the evacuation of a tourist attraction.

Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland general manager Nathan Maynard said the fire was on a neighbouring property but was close enough to force the attraction to evacuate.

He said everyone at the site was safe and emergency services had arrived.

Fire and Emergency NZ shift manager Mark Richards said the bush fire covered about 300 square metres.

“Six pumps and three tankers are at the scene. We received the first call at noon and further calls to say it was getting bigger.

“The fire is now contained and staff are cleaning up and making sure the scene is safe.”

Smoke from a bush fire that forced the evacuation of Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland on Tuesday. Photo / Andrew Warner

A helicopter was also called to the scene.

Police said in a statement issued about 5pm that State Highway 5, which had been closed at both ends of Waiotapu Loop Rd, had reopened.