Kiwis living in Vanuatu have described feeling a "strong but not severe" earthquake - but say there is no immediate reports of injury or damage.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said tsunami waves were possible for coasts within 300km of the epicentre following the 7.2 quake. It was centered about 81km northwest of Port-Olry, a town in the Sanma province on the island of Espiritu Santo.
Since then the quake has been downgraded to 6.9 and the PTWC said the threat of a tsunami has now largely passed and there is no concern in New Zealand.
New Zealander Craig Arlidge, who manages Moyyan House by the Sea on the island of Espiritu Santo, said he "felt the wall shake for about five seconds" and water sloshed about in the rain water tank.
He said his wife was reading a book and jumped out of bed.