Fire crews are fighting multiple vegetation fires in the South Island, evacuations are under way in Amberley, Broomfield and Waipara and some buildings have been destroyed.

Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) mid-south Canterbury district manager Rob Hands said the blazes were widespread, particularly in Canterbury, and being fanned by strong winds that could cause them to spread quickly.

At least seven vegetation fires were burning between North Canterbury down to Shannon near Dunedin.

"They range from Amberley, Waipara, Springfield, Rangiora, Rakaia, Leeston and Tekapo," Hands said.