Earthquake sparks avalanches at Mt Hutt

There was 12 avalanches at Mt Hutt today. Photo / Supplied

Fresh snow and high winds created a "recipe for avalanches" at Mt
Hutt ski-field during today's quake.

Safety manager John Hooker said at least 12 "reasonably large" avalanches were set off.

The 7.1 magnitude quake was centred near Darfield, 44km away from Mt Hutt.

"It was certainly a good rattle," Hooker said.

Opening was delayed for an hour and a half while staff check equipment and assessed avalanche risk.

"We had a storm yesterday, so we've got a lot of new snow and a lot of wind, which creates a recipe for avalanches," Hooker said.

Checks found no risk to skiers and boarders.

"The ski-area is looking good, but outside the boundary is another thing. There's no control out there, so it's very important people stick to the tracks."

Hooker said the ski-area has 100 high-risk avalanche paths that are constantly monitored.

Explosives are used to induce artificial avalanches out of hours.

"We like to bring it down before it brings itself down," he said.

Power was out for most of the morning but Hooker said it was "business as usual".

"Methvan locals are pretty resilient, this wouldn't put them off a good day on the mountain."

Queenstown's skifields were not affected.

Coronet Peak Spokesperson Nadia Ellis said: "The roads are fine, the lifts are fine, we've got good crowds and great conditions."