More than 1000 people were evacuated and 11 homes destroyed as a bushfire burned more than 1800 hectares of land close to Christchurch last week.

The blaze began in the Port Hills district on Monday, sparked by two separate fires.

It was eventually brought under control on Friday by more than 200 firefighters, 15 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. A helicopter pilot died in a crash on Tuesday while tackling the fire.

A state of emergency was declared in the area. The Insurance Council of New Zealand told insuranceNEWS.com.au it is too early to gauge losses.