A 6.8 magnitude earthquake has rocked the lower South Island this afternoon.
The quake struck at 2.43pm and was centred 155 km north-west of Snares Islands at a depth of 12km.
It was assessed for tsunami risk by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and GNS Science.
No risk was identified for land, but NEMA warned coastal areas would experience “strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges” at the shore.
“Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, and anyone in or near the water close to shore.
“People in or near the sea in the following areas should move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.”
The West Coast of the South Island from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point was “under threat”, NEMA said.
“Strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges will continue for several hours and the threat must be regarded as real until this Advisory is cancelled.”
At the time of writing, close to 5000 people had reported the shaking to GeoNet’s website, where it was described as “moderate”.
It was felt across the lower South Island, including Invercargill, Gore, Te Anau, Cromwell, Queenstown and Dunedin.
One Invercargill resident said it was a “good shake”.
“Made you sit up and take notice.”
Minister for Emergency Management Mark Mitchell told 1News he was being briefed about the quake.
“An Emergency Mobile Alert has been issued for the bottom of the South Island. Evacuations are NOT required but there is potential danger near the shoreline. We are asking people to stay away from the beach and water. Strong and unusual currents may be experienced.”
The Southland District Council said it had no immediate reports of damage.