Residents are being evacuated from homes near Queenstown as emergency services tackle a bushfire.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand southern communications shift manager Tim Reynolds says properties are "threatened" in the blaze near Threepwood Rd at Lake Hayes.
He was not able to confirm how far dwellings were from the 100sq m fire.
Gusty northerlies are forecast for the Queenstown area today.
Fire crews from Queenstown, Frankton and Arrowtown are fighting the fire and three helicopters have been sent.
Police are helping with the evacuation, Reynolds said.
A police spokesperson said they were clearing part of the Lake Hayes Walkway early this afternoon.