New Zealanders with relatives in Chile faced an anxious wait for news of their loved ones after the huge earthquake disrupted communications.

New Zealand's tsunami alert has been cancelled but people in coastal areas of the country are still advised to take caution.

Hundreds of New Zealanders who raced to beaches to watch a potentially catastrophic tsunami were 'stupid', says Civil Defence Minister John Carter.

New Zealanders weren't going to allow a 'peewee' tsunami alert to ruin the last official day of summer yesterday and many ignored warnings.

Of the 200 New Zealanders known to be in Chile, 80 have so far confirmed they are safe.

Civil Defence authorities have downgraded the tsunami warning for New Zealand. However, New Zealand authorities are warning that there could be surges for up to 24 hours.

Paua fishermen are diving back into the seas and surfers are out to catch waves even as tsunami warnings stay in place.

New Zealand east coastal areas aren't out of the woods yet, with Civil Defence authorities and scientists electing keep the tsunami warning in place.

Crowds are gathering at beaches to watch the tsunami threatening New Zealand, says the coastguard.

The first wave has reached the Chatham Islands, after a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile overnight. An official tsunami alert remains in place for New Zealand's entire east coast.

A tsunami generated by a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile, is expected to reach New Zealand this morning.

Official tsunami warnings are in place for the entire east coast of New Zealand after a massive earthquake in Chile overnight.

A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Chile early Saturday