While the urban landscape of Christchurch has been pummelled by the earthquake, the natural environment in the South Island has also suffered.
More than 30 million tonnes of ice collapsed into Tasman Glacier's terminal lake after the quake rumbled the Mt Cook area.
It left huge icebergs floating in the lake.
Staff from Mt Cook alpine village said the collapse sent waves up to three-and-a-half metres surging across the lake.
The waves lasted for 30 minutes and were big enough to roll icebergs.
3 News