Four helicopters and multiple fire crews are on their way to a large blaze raging in Northland's Waipoua Forest.

The fire is off Waipoua River Road, near Waipoua Settlement and the former forest headquarters.

It is roughly 6km south of Tāne Mahuta, the world's largest surviving kauri tree.

Fire crews from Ōmāpere and Dargaville are so far at the scene with more on the way.

A number of homes in Waipoua Settlement are believed to be threatened.

They are being protected by volunteer firefighters from Dargaville until helicopters arrive.

It is not known if the blaze is in pine plantation, native bush or both.

This story was originally published by RNZ