Scientists seek NZ tsunami footage

Scientists are seeking public photos, videos and accounts of Sunday's tsunami which hit the New Zealand coastline after a massive earthquake in Chile.

GNS science wanted people who experienced the tsunami to fill out an online survey at the GeoNet website outlining what they saw and send in their footage.

The weekend's tsunami had provided a rare opportunity to collect useful research information, which would help scientists understand the range of impacts the tsunami had around New Zealand, GNS Science survey compiler Kevin Fenaughty said.

"Our knowledge of what tsunami have done to New Zealand in the past helps to refine the computer models we run... We have already seen excellent videos of the disturbances to the sea from last Sunday. We would encourage people to let us know what they saw, and if they have images to go with that, so much the better."

Mr Fenaughty said tsunami were dangerous and people should follow Civil Defence advice and never place themselves at risk to get a closer look.

- NZPA