New Zealand earthquake today: Two confirmed dead after 7.8 magnitude tremors on South Island

Authorities said they were not yet declaring a national emergency, saying the regions are coping well.

The magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the country's South Island just after midnight on Sunday, with the epicentre recorded 57 miles north-northeast of the eastern city of Christchurch.

Map showing Wellington and northeastern coast of the South Island.

Shortly afterwards a two-metre high tsunami was recorded in Kaikoura on the east coast of the South Island, with smaller but “very dangerous” waves later hitting the coast near Wellington, according to local weather site Weather Watch.

The Civil Defence authority advised South Island residents living on the east coast and those living on the nearby Chatham Islands to move to higher ground.

A powerful earthquake struck in a mostly rural area close to the city of Christchurch but appeared to be more strongly felt in the capital, Wellington, more than 200 Km (120 miles) away. (Photo: The Guardian)

A 6.2 earthquake later struck northwestern Argentina, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

On Monday morning a strong new tremor with a magnitude of 6.2, struck New Zealand's South Island, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

Helicopters with medical and rescue personnel are being sent near the epicentre of the quake, where it opened up snaking fissures in roads and triggered landslides. 

St John's Ambulance Dion Rosario said in a statement: “We are starting to get reports of injuries from the earthquake area, including Culverden area and Kaikoura.

New Zealand Earthquake in pictures:

Amora Hotel guests gather in a carpark after an earthquake in Wellington, New Zealand. Photo: Getty

Access to the ramp for the Bluebrige Cook Strait Ferry was cracked, after a 7.5 earthquake based around Cheviot in the South island shock the capital, in Wellington, New Zealand. Photo EPA

Broken glass and debris covers part of the road on Featherston Street after an earthquake in Wellington, New Zealand. Photo : Getty

New Zealand residents park cars near the top of Mt Victoria, the highest hill in Wellington. Photo: Getty

Firemen and Police gather at the corner of Wakefield and Victoria Streets after an earthquake in Wellington, New Zealand. Photo: Getty