Three more sharp aftershocks hit Christchurch

A steady stream of aftershocks are continuing to rock Christchurch this week. Photo / NZPA

The Christchurch aftershocks show little sign of slowing down, with three shakes with a magnitude greater than 4.0 since 1pm this afternoon

A 4.6, a 4.1 and a 4.2 magnitude earthquakes have struck Christchurch this afternoon, GNS Science reports.

The first 4.6 magnitude quake struck at 1.03pm, and was centred 10km southeast of Lyttelton at a depth of 5km, near Port Levy on Banks Peninsula.

GNS Science said the quake was felt in the Christchurch region.

At 1.29pm, a 4.1 magnitude aftershock struck at a depth of 8km, 10km east of Lyttelton, also near Port Levy.

It was also likely felt in the Christchurch region, GNS Science said.

It was followed by a third quake at 2.27pm, when a 4.2 magnitude quake hit. It was located 20km south-east of Lyttleton and occured at a depth of 6km.

On Twitter, Adrienne Rewi described the first one as a "decent shake".

"Whole house swaying. Don't feel them when I'm outside digging."

Thomas Mead described it as "rolling".

"Was it just me or was that really weird? Even felt like a different fault or something..." he wrote on Twitter.