Series of overnight quakes in NZ

File photo / Jim Eagles

Earthquakes hit Gisborne, Canterbury, Picton and Queenstown overnight, GNS Science reported.

A 4.0 magnitude struck 20km north-west of Gisborne at a depth of 25km at 4.13am today. GNS said it was likely to have been felt in the Gisborne region.

It was the second in as many days for the region following a 4.0 magnitude quake 10km north of Te Karaka yesterday morning.

A 4.2 magnitude quake struck at 9pm last night 100km north of Picton, at a depth of 130km. GNS Science reported the quake was felt in the Marlborough Sounds and Wellington.

Aftershocks continue to shake the Canterbury region, with a 4.5 magnitude quake centred 20km south-west of Christchurch at a depth of 4km at 7.19pm yesterday. This followed a 3.6 magnitude quake 10km north-east of Hanmer Springs at a depth of 11km at 7.17pm.

Shortly afterwards Darfield received another aftershock, with a 2.9 magnitude quake 30km south-east of the Canterbury town at a depth of 15km at 7.25pm.

A 2.7 magnitude earthquake also hit 10km south of Queenstown at a depth of 5km at 10.27pm yesterday.

- NZHERALD STAFF