Fire crews are responding to multiple blazes across Canterbury caused by gale force winds

Call-outs have moved north from Dunedin to Canterbury as the storm has shifted up the country.

Thirty crews are responding to about 10 wildfires from South Canterbury to Hurunui, most in rural areas.

The largest blaze is in the Glentui area of the Waimakariri District.

Fallen trees and debris blocking roads are making it difficult for firefighters to reach some of the fire sites.

Fire and Emergency's activated its Canterbury regional coordination centre in monitoring mode.

Crews are also returning to some of the sites in Otago to check they're fully out.