Kaikoura's internationally famous "quake cows" are safe and sound and "back in business" today.

Prime Minister John Key has promised fast-track help to keep Kaikoura businesses on their feet.

Farmers in quake-battered North Canterbury are rallying together, pitching in for supplies, sharing gear, and helping out on damaged properties.

The change means aftershocks may be larger in magnitude for a longer period of time.

The PM and Kaikoura's mayor have dismissed Brain Tamaki's comments blaming the devastating earthquakes on "gays, murderers and sinners".

West Coast police today advised motorists to take extra care when driving through the Lewis Pass and Maruia Valley on SH7 and SH65 as traffic numbers build up.

Destiny Church's Brian Tamaki has blamed earthquakes on gays, sinners, and murderers.

The latest earthquake again prompted reports of animals behaving strangely just before the main shock hit. What does science say?

New aerial photos show there is much work to be done after Monday's 7.8 quake.

Queen Elizabeth II has sent a message of condolence to the Governor-General of New Zealand.

Acting Civil Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee says the cost of the earthquakes was still to emerge, but it would be in the billions of dollars.

English tourist had just turned in for the night when the earthquake struck. Now the terrified visitor is desperate to get home.

As Canterbury Civil Defence declared a region-wide state of emergency, people from around South Island banned together to support those affected by quake.

WATCH: A family is devastated after their cottage on the Banks Peninsula was knocked off its foundations and partly destroyed by a tsunami wave.

Two cattle and a calf which survived yesterday's earthquake should be allowed to retire and live out their days in a sanctuary, animal rights group Peta says.

Police investigating looting during yesterday's quake evacuations say eight burglaries took place and they have stepped up patrols since then.

The ground heaved and trees cracked - rescued tourists caught up in the North Canterbury quake tell their stories to Chris Morris.

Learn from Christchurch and subsidise businesses hit by the devastating Kaikoura earthquake, former mayor Sir Bob Parker has told the Government.

Restoring highway access to Kaikoura will take months, Transport Minister Simon Bridges says.

Relieved tourists have been flown by helicopter from Kaikoura to a Red Cross Centre in North Canterbury this morning.

New laws against looters are not necessary, says police minister.

Defence Force sends hundreds of staff plus planes and ships to earthquake-affected south.

Our photographers and reporters share some of the images captured after yesterday's quakes.

Mid Canterbury farmers are on standby to take dairy cows from quake-affected North Canterbury dairy farmers.

Helicopters from US and Malaysia will help out in Kaikoura, says PM John Key.

Farmers are sharing cow sheds and generators as they try to carry out the daily business of running their farms.

The alpine tourist hotspot of Hanmer Springs, usually a thriving, buzzing place, resembles a ghost town.

Almost $40,000 has been donated to help a Christchurch family whose seaside home was burgled after they evacuated during yesterday's earthquake and tsunami warning.

The first word comes of the fate of three cows trapped after yesterday's quake.

Richie McCaw, who has been airlifting stranded tourists out of Kaikoura, says the devastation from the air looks "pretty crazy".