Magnitude 6.8 earthquake strikes off New Zealand’s south island

A huge earthquake has rocked residents on the west coast of New Zealand’s south island.

The magnitude 6.8 quake struck 160 kilometres from Riverton in Southland at 2.43pm local time.

Civil defence and emergency management officials cleared New Zealand of tsunami risk but warned against venturing on or near the beach and water.

People in the Southland and Fiordland regions have been advised to stay away as strong and unusual currents could pose a danger for several hours, according to New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency.

“We expect New Zealand coastal areas to experience strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore following a magnitude 6.8 earthquake....”

“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.”

Areas under threat include West Coast of the South Island from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point.

The Bureau of Meteorology says there is no tsunami threat to Australia.

National MP Mark Mitchell wrote in a post on X that an Emergency Mobile Alert had been issued for 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.”

Residents in Dunedin, a further 200km away, reported feeling the shake.

“Very strong and long. Our dog went nuts,” Lisa Maxwell wrote on Facebook.

— with AAP