Firefighters will be on the ground overnight to monitor the fire on Matakana Island, says Fire and Emergency New Zealand District Commander Jeff Maunder.

"They’ll also be reinforcing our containment lines to further ensure the fire is unable to break out," says Jeff.

"Helicopters with monsoon buckets, heavy machinery and fire crews will be back on the island in the morning to work on extinguishing the fire."

Helicopters and fire crews have now contained the large scrub and pine slash fire on Matakana Island, first reported on Saturday evening.

The fire on Matakana Island early on Sunday morning, seen from Mauao. Photo: Claire Rogers.

District Commander Maunder says the fire has burnt through approximately 37 hectares of scrub and pine slash.

"We’ve had multiple crews, aircraft and heavy machinery working on containment today," he says.

"Most of the most flammable slash and light scrub has burnt now and, with the wind continuing to ease, we’re confident of holding the fire contained within its current perimeter."

Smoke is also drifting across the harbour towards Tauranga, which has prompted several people to call 111 this afternoon.

‘Smoke from this vegetation fire has been drifting across to Tauranga and the coast," says Jeff.

"If anyone finds it is affecting their breathing, we ask them to stay indoors with the windows closed."