At the time, neighbours were advised to stay inside with their windows closed as firefighters battled the blaze on Mangere Rd this morning.
Fire and Emergency shift manager Hayley Saunders said there was no indication anyone was in the house.
Twenty-four firefighters battled the fire. They were called at 10.15am.
Fire crews at the property in Mangere Rd, Ōtāhuhu. Photo / Alex BurtonLocal Simone Dixon says she heard the crackling at 10.25am, and went outside to investigate.
"I didn't go any closer because there was a whole lot of smoke and the flames were intense."
She said the flames were about 8m to 10m high.
Police had advised pedestrians to avoid the area and roadblocks were in place on Mangere Rd.
"Due to a significant amount of smoke, residents are advised to close their windows and doors and stay inside."
Police this afternoon said roadblocks remain in place and asked motorists to avoid the area where possible.