Remote-controlled excavators will be used to demolish a series of Christchurch houses that became the poster-children of the earthquakes.

The Clifton Terrace homes were red zoned after the earthquakes due to the life risk from cliff collapse.

The five homes are perched right on the edge of a cliff in Sumner.

CERA's Port Hills Land Clearance Project manager Brenden Winder says the clearance of the homes is expected to take about five years to complete.

Work will begin next week.