6.3 Quake Shakes Fiordland, Southland and Otago

A tsunami warning is in force for the Southland and Fiordland coast after a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck 40km north of Te Anau at 9.14pm on Thursday.

The National Emergency Management Agency says land inundation is likely in coastal areas from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point. If you are in those areas, move now — to the nearest high ground, out of tsunami evacuation zones, or as far inland as possible. Do not wait for further instructions.

The quake hit at a depth of 53km. Seven smaller aftershocks followed, recorded by GeoNet, and more than 13,000 people had reported feeling it within minutes. Shaking was felt across Otago, Southland and Canterbury.

Emergency Management Southland was blunt on Facebook shortly after the quake: "Magnitude 6.3 earthquake located 40km north of Te Anau. If you are near the coast and you felt that for more than a minute, move to higher ground or inland. We are currently monitoring and will give updates as soon as we can."

NEMA is clear on one critical point: the first tsunami wave may not be the largest. Activity could continue for several hours. Stay away from beaches, shore areas, rivers and estuaries. Stay out of the water — that includes boats. Do not return until an official all-clear is given. Emergency Mobile Alerts will be issued to areas under land threat.

Reports came in fast from across the region. In Riversdale, one resident said the shaking lasted "around 20 to 30 seconds". In Cromwell, a resident said their house was "moving for quite a while" and reported feeling aftershocks. In Alexandra, someone described hearing a "very loud rumble" followed by "decent shaking". In Wānaka, it felt "very strong".

A post on the What's On Invers Facebook page drew more than 500 comments, with people from Invercargill, Southland and Central Otago all reporting they felt it.

The warning remains in force. Follow local Civil Defence authorities for updates.