Christchurch residents worn down by the continuing barrage of aftershocks are fleeing the city to get some much-needed rest.
Some South Island moteliers in Timaru and Kaikoura say they have been inundated with phone calls and emails from earthquake-stricken Cantabrians keen to get some respite from the tremors.
The owner of Timaru's Ashbury Park Motel, Lex Stanley, says he has heard plenty of remarkable stories from his guests.
Mr Stanley says his motel's giving earthquake-affected guests a discount, saying "it's a time we all need to be a bit forgiving".
RadioLIVE