Fire crews control blaze near Waiau, north of Christchurch

The fire that started on a riverbank near Waiau, north of Christchurch, has now been damped down.

Fire crews were called to the scene on Inland Road at 8.45am.

Route 70, the inland road between Kaikoura and Waiau, is now open again to one lane.

Fire crews remain on site and full road access should be restored once it is safe to do so, according to NZ Transport Agency.

People should expect short delays while the Stop/Go system is in place between Waiau and Mt Lyford, the agency said.