Residents in Lyttelton have been evacuated from their homes on Thursday evening after a landslide came down behind one property, threatening several others.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said all occupants had been safely evacuated and accounted for.

At least three properties have been evacuated tonight.

Fire and Emergency crews are positioned on Hawkhurst Road monitoring the situation closely.

Three fire crews remain at the scene and are working alongside a geotechnical engineer to assess the stability of the slip and the risk to nearby homes.