The warning comes from fire chiefs and police as days of hot temperatures, reaching into the early to mid-30s, will continue until Tuesday, with potentially record-breaking temperatures in some areas.
The fire risk in Canterbury will reach extreme this weekend – the highest on the scale.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is encouraging people to avoid isolated areas that have only one or two entry and exit points - one example being Godley Head.
Said FENZ specialist fire investigator Wayne Hamilton: “Stay away from those areas. We would suggest rather than walking up the hills, go along the beach.
"People need to be conscious that they are entering high fire danger areas,” he said.
All walks in areas with vegetation should be limited to the cool of the morning, Mr Hamilton said.
FENZ is also asking for people to save outdoor activities in rural vegetation areas, such as motor-cycling, trail-biking and dirt-biking for a cooler day when the fire risk is lower.
“It’s a real issue; vehicles cause a lot of fires.
"It is very important they park on gravelled areas, don’t drive off the road on to areas of vegetation,” said Mr Hamilton.
A total fire ban continues in the entire Canterbury region, meaning lighting any fires is strictly prohibited.
Small amounts of drizzle, such as what was experienced in the city overnight on Tuesday and Wednesday, does not make a difference to fire risk conditions, Mr Hamilton warned.
“Unless we get significant rain, people should not be complacent, it doesn’t make a difference.”
Earlier this month, it was revealed a multi-agency approach, Operation Lucifer, conducted by FENZ, police and neighbourhood watch groups was under way to prevent fires.
Senior Sergeant Roy Appley said the operation is continuing and is monitoring suspicious behaviour.
He is encouraging members of the public to take photos, particularly of vehicles and people, who may be acting suspiciously.
• Phone 111 immediately if you see or smell smoke, or see any suspicious behaviour.
