A simple accident has left a Christchurch family without a home.

Around 8am fire crews arrived to find the Shortland Street property in Aranui completely engulfed in flames - the family managed to escape.

The house and everything in it has either been destroyed by fire or smoke.

Wainoni Senior Station Officer Mark Elstone says it all started from an unattended candle.

"The fire itself started in the 14-year-old son's bedroom...by an unattended candle, which obviously spread to the curtains and then to the kitchen and hallway areas."

A fire investigator attended and teams are still at the scene.