UPDATED 5.43PM: A helicopter has been called in to help battle a large scrub fire near Whangamata.

Fire crews were called to the fire, which is located on Waihi Whangamata Road about 1km north of Parakiwai Quarry Road, around 3.30pm.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand northern fire communications shift manager Daniel Nicholson says there are eight appliances including water tankers heading out to a scrub fire that is approximately 100m by 100m in size.

A reporter at the scene says a command unit has been set up and firefighters are battling the fire.

EARLIER:

Fire crews are responding to a large vegetation fire near Whangamata.

The fire is on Waihi Whangamata Road about one kilometre north of Parakiwai Quarry Road.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand northern fire communications shift manager Daniel Nicholson says there are eight appliances including water tankers heading out to a scrub fire that is approximately 100 metres by 100 metres in size.

The fire was called in at 3:27pm he says.

'The crews that are currently on scene are trying to extinguish the fire with more resources on the way.”

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage.

At the scene? Email newsroom@thesun.co.nz or phone 0800 SUNLIVE.