Magnitude 6.0 earthquake shakes lower South Island

A 6.0 magnitude earthquake has shaken the lower South Island early this morning, according to GeoNet.

The 12.53am quake struck offshore south of Southland, with its epicentre 115km northwest of the Snares Islands.

It was 12km deep and described as “moderate” by GeoNet.

There was no tsunami threat, the National Emergency Management Agency said.

There were also no reports of damage, Fire and Emergency NZ said.

However, hundreds of people reported feeling the earthquake, including Newstalk ZB caller Glen.

“It would have gone for quite a few seconds, a swaying sort of sensation.

“I was actually online at the time, listening to an apocalypse audiobook of all things, and I was thinking to myself, this is getting a bit interactive.”

A 4.8 magnitude aftershock followed the quake, occurring 95km northwest of the Snares Islands and at a depth of 5km.