Once again the worst of circumstances brings out the best in New Zealanders.

Thousands of people remained trapped in Kaikoura last night without water, sewerage systems and phone reception after a massive quake struck South Island.

Herald journalist Andrew Stone describes the terrifying aftermath of the quake.

The evacuation, via sea, of tourists stranded in Kaikoura is still a day away.

Their ceiling has collapsed, there is no running water or power, every bottle, glass and plate in their restaurant is broken - and a bottle of pinot noir has already been opened.

As the dust was settling, it was becoming clear how good fortune had touched many. It was also apparent the damage caused.

HMNZS Canterbury is sailing to Kaikoura loaded with aid supplies and will bring back tourists and residents.

The New Zealand sharemarket held up well today, but the worst could be yet to come as aftershocks threaten the country.

A cluster of sharp aftershocks have rattled people around the country this evening, including three "severe" quakes near Seddon and another by Kaikoura.

A historic homestead is in tatters and the four other properties on a north Canterbury sheep and beef farm were damaged in today's

A 100-year-old woman pulled alive from the rubble of her farmhouse had lived on the homestead for 64 years. Margaret Edgar was asleep

Government forces including transport ship Canterbury will be mobilised to get about 1000 tourists out of earthquake hit Kaikoura.

The 111 emergency line service wasn't switched over when the Spark office, where the calls are handled, was evacuated.

An upgraded 7.5 magnitude earthquake has struck 20km south-east of Hanmer Springs.

It was one of the biggest earthquakes in NZ for years. So this gamer can perhaps be forgiven for freaking out while accidentally live-streaming the disaster.

New Zealand shares rose, led by companies that stand to benefit from earthquake repairs such as Fletcher Building and Metro Performance Glass.

A Wellington resident is "terrified" after her bedroom ceiling collapsed on her and her boyfriend during this morning's earthquake.

Join Tristram Clayton as he wraps up last nights devastating earthquake.

LIVE BLOG: Aftershocks have continued to rumble through the night, and Civil Defence is warning people to stay prepared for further rattles.

Police say they will do everything in their power to find the thieves who targeted homes in Canterbury following this morning's earthquake. "I

People forced out of their homes and hotels in Wellington following this morning's severe 7.5 earthquake have all found somewhere to go.

Most schools will open tomorrow, following hundreds of closures after the quake.

STL driver Dennis Dunn caused some alarm when he was feared buried but has been found safe and well between two large landslips.

What you need to know about the earthquake and tsunami and what people in the above coastal areas should do.

Today's earthquake can trigger emotional trauma for Cantabrians even though there's been little physical damage in Christchurch, a psychologist says.

COMMENT: Among the bricks and shattered glass, we feared the worst. It appeared as if a hand grenade had been tossed inside the stylish colonial cottage.

International scientists are intrigued at the complexity of the suspected twin quakes that rattled New Zealand overnight.

Power is gradually being restored in Kaikoura, but sewerage systems and water supplies are still down and it could be days before they are back up and running, Civil Defence says.

Kaikoura and other South Island towns have been essentially cut off, with the famous SH1 road and rail tunnels blocked by slips.