The fire on the Chatham Islands that is estimated to have burned through 3000 hectares is being contained.

The fire has been burning since Thursday and resources from the mainland have been sent to help fight it.

The Chatham Islands are about 800km east of New Zealand and are home to about 600 people.

The islands are part of New Zealand.

Two helicopters with monsoon buckets are working on the fire, supported by ground crews.

On Sunday there was a gentle northerly wind after some rain overnight.

The fire is on private land containing regenerating and established native vegetation.

So far it has not spread to a Department of Conservation scenic reserve.

It is expected that this level of firefighting activity will continue for a further seven to 12 days.