An undersea earthquake measuring 5.8 has struck south of Fiordland.
GNS Science said the quake hit 180 kilometres southwest of Tuatapere, due west of Stewart Island, at a depth of 12km at 7.48pm on Thursday.
It was felt as far north as Queenstown but not in any great strength.
GNS Science duty seismologist Lara Bland told NZ Newswire the quake was too small to generate a tsunami.
"It's a really active part of New Zealand but it doesn't get a lot of attention because no-one lives there."
NZN