Fire crews up and down the country have been enduring a busy first day of the long weekend

In South Auckland, crews have been able to contain a large blaze at an Otahuhu car wreckers, but are also responding to a fire at a church in nearby Mangere.

In the South Island, crews are also tackling multiple vegetation fires at Hurunui, Waipara, Springfield, Selwyn, the McKenzie Country and Shannon.

Police are advising residents in Springfield and Hurunui to prepare, in case they need to evacuate.

South Islanders had been advised not to burn outdoor fires today, due to high winds.