UPDATED: 6.10PM The large blaze burning over three hectares of scrub north of Auckland in Tawharanui has been contained.

The helicopter carrying out an aerial approach has been stood down, but nine fire trucks remain at the scene.

A fire service spokesman said they were called to the fire on Takatu Road around 2.30 this afternoon.

Meanwhile, the Fire Service is at the scene of a large house fire in west Auckland.

A northern Fire Service spokeswoman said they were called to the blaze on Cottle Road in Waitakere just before 3.30pm.

She said the house was already well alight when crews arrived.

Water is being sourced from domestic water tanks to tackle the blaze at the single-story house.