Stranded tourists are drinking and partying through the night causing grief for locals dealing with the quake calamity, an MP claims.
New Zealand First deputy leader Ron Mark says some people initially stranded in the tourist town were now taking advantage of the generosity of locals, receiving free food and hand-outs and partying into the small hours.
About 1000 tourists trapped by Monday's 7.8 earthquake have been flown or shipped out of the region in a major mass evacuation this week.
But Mark said some had more than outstayed their welcome and were causing problems.