Firefighters have contained the large burn off at Mackenzie Basin

Three diggers continue to work alongside tankers, trucks, and crews.

State Highway 80 at Lake Pukaki has re-opened in both directions and evacuated residents have been cleared to return.

Newstalk ZB's Danica MacLean is there.

She says the remnants of the blaze are right next to the road.

MacLean says the smoke is thick in the immediate area, and can be smelt from the car as you drive through.