A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said firefighters were called to Warrington Domain, about 25km north of Dunedin, about 1.50pm yesterday.
A patch of scrub about 100sq m was on fire.
The wind had been blowing the fire towards the coast, which could have potentially endangered a nearby sea lion breeding area, he said.
But the fire was extinguished by 5pm, and no sea lions were harmed, he said
The Department of Conservation was notified, he said.
A helicopter was also called but was later stood down.
Three crews remained at the scene in the early evening to dampen down any hot spots.