Residents of Darfield - the epicentre of the quake - share their stories of what it was like when the big one hit.

Looming bad weather and a fear that electricity may be out for days is worrying Canterbury farmers in the wake of this morning's quake.

Photos from the 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch this morning.

Craters opened up at a Kaiapoi motorcamp during this morning's earthquake, with caravans sinking up to their axles.

The cost of damage from today's devastating quake could be as much as $2 billion, Earthquake Commission chief executive Ian Simpson says.

Services and infrastructure in Christchurch have been seriously affected by this morning's quake. Here is the current situation.

Read the facts about this morning's quake, Christchurch's faultlines and the many aftershocks that have rocked the city.

An historic pub in the South Canterbury town of Temuka has been badly damaged by today's earthquake and the proprietor is unsure when it will reopen.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says there is "significant structural damage" to his city after this morning's 7.1 quake, with some eastern suburbs facing possible evacuation.

Vodafone is advising customers in Christchurch to keep cellphone calls sort, or preferably use SMS messages.

The magnitude 7.1 earthquake which struck Christchurch about 4.30am today rates among the top dozen to hit New Zealand.

Read the 10 things you should (and should not) do after an earthquake has hit your area.

Hundreds felt a 'sharp, short jolt' which has reportedly caused some damage in Whanganui.

The tsunami that struck Tonga and Samoa last year was the result of a rare geological event.