Canterbury shocks keep coming

Christchurch residents are continue to be hit by aftershocks - and there is no respite in sight.

GNS Science duty officer Tony Hurst told NZPA 11 quakes hit the city overnight, ranging from 2.5 to 4.3 on the Richter Scale.

All were considered aftershocks to the magnitude 7.1 quake which hit the city on September 4, causing widespread damage.

Thousands of aftershocks had rattled the area since, and many more were expected.

"It will take years before the level of activity in Christchurch is as low as it was," Mr Hurst said.

That was because the city's previously low level of seismic activity meant even small quakes were noticed, he said.

- NZPA