The seismic shift in the South Island made headline news around the world.

After 48 hours - and what seems like countless aftershocks - the mood of the people of Canterbury is changing.

The wild winds forecast for Canterbury tonight are unlikely to reach full force in Christchurch.

Safety first is the message authorities want to convey as many displaced locals face a second night away from their homes.

It was the earthquake New Zealanders have been told for years to expect. And Christchurch got it.

Rebuilding the damage caused by yesterday's earthquake could create a much-needed economic upturn for Canterbury.

All non-essential procedures booked in Christchurch for tomorrow have been cancelled as a result of disruptions from the earthquake.

Most of the CBD remains closed off to the general public, in contrast to the outer suburbs where people are going about business as usual.

One of the casualties of yesterday morning's massive Canterbury earthquake was the historic Deans family homestead in Homebush.

KiwiRail is sending almost 300,000 litres of water to Christchurch, where around 15% of people remain without it.

Audrey Young finds Canterbury farmers are sticking together after yesterday's massive earthquake.

Christchurch was "inevitably going to be brought to its knees" by an earthquake because of the nature of the ground it stands on, a scientist says.

Some residents in the earthquake zone may be without power until the end of the week, says lines company Orion.

"It's essentially a ghost town. You can see utter devastation," said Prime Minister John Key.

The Herald's photographers have captured amazing scenes from the aftermath of September 4's magnitude 7.1 earthquake.

Audrey Young visits one of Christchurch's oldest houses, and finds it still standing.

"It's a reminder to us all that in the case of natural disasters, it's not a matter of if, but a matter of when."

"It was like a giant had picked up our house and was just shaking it, shaking and shaking," said one resident.

The 7.1 magnitude tremor that shook the South Island caused the most damage since the 1931 earthquake that flattened Napier.

The displaced of Christchurch were last night in makeshift shelters across the city, fearful of waking up again to more violent tremors.

They were partying, working, sleeping - then came 90 minutes of terror they will never forget. This is their story.