A bush fire near the Golden Stairs Walkway area as photographed on 22 March, 2024, by local resident Erana Murray. Photo: Supplied / Erana Murray
Firefighters are tackling a large bush fire which started on Friday night near Whangapē Harbour in the Far North.
Fire and Emergency were alerted about 8pm to the blaze on Warawara Forest Road at Pawarenga.
It was in a remote area near the Golden Stairs Walkway area and there was no road access for fire trucks.
Fire and Emergency group manager Denis Cooper said they are working hard to contain the blaze.
"The fire is about 75 percent contained at this stage and we are working towards having it fully contained by midday today and then extinguished by this evening.
Cooper said they want the fire out by tonight, before an expected wind change.
The Golden Stairs Walkway is in a remote area accessible only on foot or on horseback. It starts beside Whangapē Harbour, near the settlement of Pawarenga, and emerges on the west coast north of Mitimiti.
The walkway is thought to take its name from the kōwhai trees that used to turn the hillside a blazing yellow in spring.
Fire and Emergency said no known structures were at risk and the wind was favourable, blowing the fire towards Whangapē Harbour.
Fire crews have been monitoring the blaze overnight and helicopters will be joining them on Saturday morning.
