North Island hospitals are receiving Christchurch earthquake victims and plan to send specialists to help in the devastated city.

Prime Minister John Key flew into Christchurch to what he says were scenes from a horror movie.

Much of Christchurch is without essential services after yesterday's earthquake with gas, power, water and phone infrastructure all affected.

At least 100 people remain trapped in the ruins of Christchurch tonight following a devastating earthquake which claimed at least 65 lives.

Hope amongst the rubble of a collapsed multi-level office block on Madras Street as a woman buried by rubble is dug out alive after Christchurch's devastating earthquake.

Residents of the town at the epicentre of today's devastating aftershock have told of terrifying ordeals as the ground crumbled around them.

Darkness, rain and temperatures are falling on Christchurch with people still trapped in buildings crumpled by a massive earthquake. So far, 65 people have been confirmed dead with the toll expected to rise.

Prime Minister John Key has told reporters that the death toll from today's magnitude 6.3 earthquake stands at 65, and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said it could quite possibly double.

Today's deadly Christchurch earthquake could be a sign of further devastation to come, with one seismologist warning that it had increased the likelihood of a large earthquake hitting Wellington.

The Government was this afternoon waiting for details of deaths in Christchurch and a second emergency cabinet meeting will be held tonight.

A seismologist says today's devastating Christchurch earthquake was the type of common large aftershock which he'd hoped the city had avoided.

Residents are reporting bodies lying in the streets of Christchurch following this afternoon's magnitude 6.3 earthquake.

Strong aftershocks are continuing to shake Christchurch as police confirm "multiple fatalities" after a 6.3 magnitude quake hit the city this afternoon.

There have been 'multiple fatalities' after a shallow 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch this afternoon caused buildings to collapse, police have confirmed.

New Zealand insurers face rate increases of more than 10 per cent for the renewal of their insurance this year, as Canterbury earthquake bill continues to mount.

Two earthquakes have rocked the East Coast area this afternoon but there have been no reports of damage.

A Govt package for displaced homeowners is the 'first really positive thing' since the Canterbury quake, a resident says.