Four helicopters and multiple fire appliances are on the Port Hills battling a large vegetation fire.

The scene, off Worsleys Road, Cracroft is being fanned by strong winds.

Smoke from the fire can be seen right across the city, including Rolleston.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand was alerted to the fire around 2.15pm.

The public is urged to stay away from the area to allow crews to work. 

With helicopters in the air already, a FENZ spokesperson said the public is also warned to not fly drones anywhere near the fire ground, “as this will mean the helicopters will have to be grounded, which will seriously impact our ability to control the spread of the fire”.

More soon.