Firefighters battling a forest fire southeast of Martinborough in Wairarapa have been stood down for the night but will be back at first light.
The Fire Service says it was called to the scene off Pahaoa Road in Hinakura about 5.50am on Monday.
About 60 firefights battled the blaze into Monday evening with the help of eight helicopters, six fire trucks and a command unit.
The Fire Service says it was too dangerous after nightfall to fight the flames, which covered about 20 hectares and were moving quickly due to the windy conditions.
The fire is on private land but it is not a threat to property.
Firefighters have come from around Wairarapa as well as Upper Hutt and Wellington.
The Fire Service says it is likely they will still be fighting the flames on Tuesday.
