Two aftershocks have struck 20km west of Christchurch this morning, GNS Science is reporting.

Christchurch's Boxing Day aftershocks and the recent wet weather have seen more than 1000 claims lodged with the Earthquake Commission.

Tomorrow night's New Year's Eve celebrations in Cathedral Square will go ahead as planned, after quake-hit buildings were deemed safe.

The decision on whether Cathedral Square is safe enough to hold the traditional New Year's Eve celebrations after aftershocks on Boxing Day damaged buildings will be made tomorrow.

Health services are offering advice on coping with anxiety after violent aftershocks shook Christchurch on Boxing Day and early today.

Fire crews in Christchurch are inspecting buildings damaged by today's series of aftershocks.

Firefighters are inspecting the site of a blaze in Canterbury that burnt nearly 60 hectares of trees and pasture.

Reports and photos of the magnitude 4.9 earthquake from Twitter and Facebook.

Police say yesterday's toxic attack on a Christchurch home was deliberate as the vial couldn't have been thrown from the road.

A Christchurch family is back home following an attack early today in which a toxic substance was thrown through the window of their house. Six of them were hospitalised for breathing problems and irritation to the eyes and ears.

Residents in the street worst affected by September's earthquake may spend another two Christmases waiting for their homes to be rebuilt.