Southland has been shaken by a series of powerful offshore earthquakes overnight.
The first struck just before 8pm, measuring magnitude 5.8 at a depth of 12km.
It was followed by a 5.5 two hours later and a 5 just before two this morning.
They were all centred around 180km southwest of Tuatapere, but were felt as far north as Queenstown.
Meanwhile, in quake-stricken Christchurch the city council says Port Hills residents are being asked to leave their properties because the threat of rockfall around their homes has not subsided.
But a number are staying put despite the eviction notices.
Council spokesman Peter Mitchell says he understands residents are frustrated - but the risk remains.
"At the end of the day nothing's changed from why the notices were originally issued after February," he says.
The matter now looks certain to go before the courts.
RadioLIVE / 3 News