Four children have been evacuated after a school bus went up in flames in a coastal town north of Auckland.

Emergency services were called to the fire on Pakiri Rd near Leigh just before 8.30am this morning.

The bus has been extensively damaged by fire.

“Four children were onboard at the time of the fire and they have all been safely removed,” said Sergeant Mark Stallworthy.

“It’s fortunate that no one has been hurt.”

Pakiri Rd is down to one lane until about midday.