SH1 reopens following bushfire near Taupō

State Highway 1 has reopened after being closed near Taupō due to a bushfire.

Police had earlier helped Fire and Emergency New Zealand with cordons at the roadside bushfire about 15km south of Taupō.

The highway was closed north of Waitahanui and diversions put in place.

But the fire has now been brought under control and SH1 has reopened, police said.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokeswoman said they received a call about 1.15pm about a scrub fire on SH1.

"Crews from Taupō responded and found a fire of around one hectare which was spreading. We have eight fire appliances in attendance working with helicopters," she said.

SH1 was closed due to the helicopter operation.

A spokeswoman said at about 3.30pm the fire was under control and ground crews were dampening down hotspots.

Crews left the scene just before 5.30pm.

The fire was not being treated as suspicious.