UPDATED 9.09PM: At least four homes have been destroyed and others evacuated as firefighters battle a large scale fire south of Whitianga.

Residents in the area say they have been told to leave their homes, which are in the path of the blaze.

The crews, including the rural brigade and two helicopters, arrived at Comers Rd, Kaimarama, between Whitianga and Coroglen, at 5.18pm on Tuesday.

Initially the fire covered five and six acres, says Northern Fire Communications shift manager Colin Underdown.

"Someone from [the Department of Conservation] has taken control on behalf of the Thames-Coromandel District Council."

Later reports say the area involved was much larger as the fire spread after sundown.

A caller to the 0800 SUNLIVE news hotline says the fire is appears to be quite large and they believe it will be a big disaster for the area.

Earlier:

Whitianga fire fighters are awaiting the arrival of a second helicopter as the deal with a scrub fire, currently out of control and threatening homes.

NZ Fire Service northern communication centre shift manger Colin Underdown says the fire is burning south of the township on a small peninsula near Comers Road, towards Coroglen.

All available fire crews are fighting the fire including two crews from the Rural fire Authority. The fire covers an estimated 5-6 acres, and is also endangering high tension power lines.