Magnitude 6.7 earthquake strikes off New Zealand’s South Island

A major earthquake has struck off New Zealand’s southwest coast, with thousands of residents in its vicinity warned to stay away from beaches in its wake.

A major earthquake has struck off New Zealand’s southwest coast, with thousands of residents in its vicinity warned to stay away from beaches in its wake.

The magnitude 6.7 quake hit 160 kilometres from Riverton in Southland at 2.43pm local time (12.43pm AEDT) on Tuesday, at a depth of 33km.

Though officials from New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency cleared the country of tsunami risk, those in nearby regions were advised to avoid the coastline.

“Residents of Southland and Fiordland should stay away from beach and marine areas as strong and unusual currents may present a danger,” a statement read.

“Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. There is 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.”

A major earthquake has struck off New Zealand’s southwest coast, with thousands of residents in its vicinity warned to stay away from beaches in its wake. Picture: X/ESMC

The areas under threat covered the west coast of South Island, from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point.

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology said the quake posed no tsunami threat to Australia.

In a post on X, New Zealand National MP Mark Mitchell said that an Emergency Mobile Alert had been issued for the South Island.

“Evacuations are NOT required but there is potential danger near the shoreline,” Mr Mitchell wrote.

“We are asking people to stay away from the beach and water. Strong and unusual currents may be experienced.”

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology said the quake posed no tsunami threat to Australia. Picture: BOM

According to The New Zealand Herald, thousands of residents reported feeling the quake.

“We had things fall off the shelf,” one wrote on Facebook.

“The outdoor wooden table (was) dancing.”

While Tuatapere Four Square owner Mark Hewton told RNZ News: “It was a very soft rolling earthquake.”

“It wasn’t aggressive. It wasn’t enough to cause any damage that I’m aware of,” he continued.

“All the staff felt it and it was definitely enough to make you stop what you were doing and make you think about getting under a door or something.

“We haven’t felt one like that for quite a wee while.”