Christchurch scrub fire near airport causing delays

Firefighters have been called to a vegetation blaze near Christchurch airport, which is causing major delays.

• Warnings as weather hikes outdoor fire risks

Crews from airport and Ilam stations have been battling the fire off State Highway 1, near Memorial Ave, since about 2.15pm today.

Smoke could be seen coming from an area under the road's Gateway Bridge.

The fire is causing major traffic delays and the southbound lane has been closed near the Memorial Ave offramp.

The northbound lanes on SH1 remain open, but authorities are urging caution when travelling through the area.

Further north, crews were also dealing with a fast-moving vegetation fire in Hapuku, near Kaikoura.

Fire and Emergency NZ received a report that hedge was on fire in Bay Paddock Rd at 1.36pm.

The fire spread and threatened nearby homes, prompting evacuations. 

At least 12 fire trucks from Kaikōura, Waiau, Conway Flat, Flaxbourne, Seddon, Awatere and Blenheim have been sent to the scene.

The blaze was contained this afternoon, but crews were monitoring flare-ups to protect property.