Quick actions from firefighters in Christchurch have so far saved properties from being damaged by the 630-hectare blaze in the Port Hills. 

The massive effort involves 80 firefighters, 13 helicopters and two planes, with a fire break stretching from Worsleys Spur to Dyers Pass Road. 

It's spread to the Adventure Park, with no details yet how badly it's affected. 

A state of emergency was declared last night for Christchurch City, including Banks Peninsula and the Selwyn District, and about 80 properties have been evacuated. 

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger told John MacDonald that they will get through this. 

He praised the professionalism of the emergency responders, saying that the power given to them by the state of emergency allows them to make effective decisions on the fly. 

LISTEN ABOVE