UPDATED: 9.40AM The fire on Kawau Island, northeast of Auckland, has turned out to be not as bad as first thought.

There were reports a bach was destroyed in the blaze last night, but the Fire Service said while the flames came close and nine baches were evacuated, no structure burned down.

Holidaymakers have now returned and mainland fire crews are on their way back from the island.

One local crew is still at Vivian Bay using portable pumps and hand tools to make sure the fire is fully out.