Evacuations have begun at the foot of the hills overlooking Dunedin, where a large scrub fire is continuing to burn. 

Eight helicopters are battling the blaze, which is blanketing the city in smoke. It started on Flagstaff Hill, northwest of Dunedin.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) said in a Facebook post Rudd Rd was being evacuated, along with the Redwood Loop mountain biking track.

All tracks in the area are closed to the public, a Dunedin City Council spokesperson said.

FENZ says at this stage, no other evacuations of property are necessary.

"We have been advised that all people have been evacuated from the walking track.

"We are actively monitoring the weather conditions."

Newshub.