Civil Defence's reports of houses destroyed by fire and evacuations over the past 24 hours have varied wildly.

A Christchurch couple who were told that their home was lost in the Port Hills blaze, just hours after finally insuring it, appear to have had a lucky escape.

Exactly how many properties have been damaged by fires in Christchurch will not be known until much later, authorities say. And although

Firefighters have put out a large blaze at a Waikato sandblasting premises this evening.

The gorse, grass and pines on the Port Hills are ideal plants to fuel the wildfires sweeping through the area.

A photographer who surveyed the damage of the Port Hills fire from the air has shared the incredible images that show the devastation.

Port Hills fire updates: Amazing images show the extent of the damage from the air, and just how close it came to some properties.

While the cause of the Port Hills fires was being investigated, it did "seem a bit odd" that two fires had started at about the same time, says the Prime Minister.

The Canterbury DHB and the Asthma & Respiratory Foundation have issued warnings about smoke inhalation for those affected by the Port Hills fires.

With a raging wild fire surrounding the Christchurch Adventure Park, the future is uncertain for the fledgling business.

Contact the SPCA if you need a temporary home for a fire-evacuated pet

Cameraman says Sugarloaf seems to be the hottest part of the fire.

Employers need to be flexible and allow staff to tend to their families and properties in the wake of the Port Hills fire.

Chaos and cordons as evacuated locals try to find out how their homes survived the night.

As fire spread down the hills above his beloved historic Ohinetahi homestead and gardens, Sir Miles Warren wasn't going anywhere.

Firefighters who came to the rescue and battled the fires across the Hastings district were given a top send-off last night. About

Lianne Dalziel says rubberneckers aren't helping and people need to 'stay at a distance' from the fires.

Rubberneckers are being warned to stay away from Christchurch's Port Hills.

State of emergency declared as Port Hills' wildfires continued yesterday.

It's been a long night for Christchurch residents. Here's what you need to know first thing this morning.

Christchurch braces for a hot and windy day as wildfires continue to wreak havoc.

Paul Askin has spent years fearing terrible news about his son Steve. On Tuesday, that moment came when the chopper pilot died fighting Christchurch's fires.

Evacuated family reveal the panicked scene of scared, fleeing families.

Hundreds of people are offering beds, blankets and home baking to those who have been displaced by the fires.

More than 1000 residents have fled their homes as a huge fire rages on in Christchurch.

Civil Defence minister questions the emergency response to the Port Hills fires, which have destroyed five houses and caused hundreds to flee.

Police and the Defence Force personnel go door-to-door evacuating residents.

Find out the latest details on the Christchurch wildfires.

Ex-SAS serviceman and Waimakariri local David Steven Askin, 38, died in a chopper crash near the Sugarloaf car park in the Port Hills yesterday.

People, including Defence Force firefighters, and equipment is being deployed to help contain the wildfires.