One resident was treated for smoke inhalation by St John staff but was not taken to hospital.
Firefighters were called to the single-level house on Ariki Ave in Otatara at 6.54pm, and the fire, which had started in a bedroom, quickly spread to the whole house, Fire and Emergency New Zealand shift manager Andrew Norris said.
As firefighters arrived, the fire, which had superheated the house interior, "flashed over'', smashing out windows and igniting the overall property, he said.
"It was well involved when they arrived.''
The house's family occupants were at home when the fire broke out, and they took refuge with neighbours and rang for help.
The house is largely surrounded by a hedge and trees.
A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said the situation was "pretty bad''.
"This is a bad one."
