The Dunedin region has become the latest to impose a total fire ban due to dry conditions.
The ban will be effective from 6am on Wednesday.
Dunedin City Council says it will take considerable rain to lower the fire risk.
In most of the South Island, restricted fire permits are being issued in places where there is not a complete ban.
A total fire ban is effectively in place across all of the North Island, the first time that has happened in 50 years.
