"We are expecting a difficult crossing tomorrow so we're making sure everyone is well refreshed and rested."

The Defence Force has now evacuated more than 800 people from Kaikoura.

Warships from Australia, Canada and the United States have arrived in Kaikoura to help with disaster relief efforts.

Eight properties in Marlborough have been identified as being too badly damaged to be entered.

Whale Watch Kaikoura is overwhelmed by the support they have received following a temporary closure after Monday's quake.

New concerns that heavy rain could bring flooding to the east coast of the South Island.

The Kaikoura emergency access road has been closed to all vehicles. The road was previously open for emergency and critical support

A petition against Destiny Church's tax-free status is gaining momentum - with 102,000 signatures and climbing.

An alternative inland route for ferry traffic has been established running from Picton to Christchurch, via Murchison and the Lewis Pass.

Strong aftershocks continue.

A truck driver has described the inland road into Kaikoura as being like Russian roulette.

Kaikoura locals are beginning to join the exodus out of their quake ravaged settlement. With 1000 tourists successfully evacuated

Geologists find previously unknown faultlines surface after Monday's 7.8 quake.

Trapped between two slips and cut off from news of the outside world, traumatised evacuees from Kaikoura tell their stories.

Tourists and locals arrived in Christchurch after long night aboard Navy ship.

Fears today's storm will hamper clean-up efforts in regions devastated by this week's earthquake.

As Govt announces its relief package, Kaikoura businesses spell out what they need to survive.

Brits evacuated from the quake zone grateful to the people of Kaikoura.

Prime Minister John Key has promised fast-track help to keep Kaikoura businesses on their feet.

The change means aftershocks may be larger in magnitude for a longer period of time.

It was a day of rescuing travellers stranded in Kaikoura and reassuring those left behind as the PM dropped in to survey the scene in Kaikoura today.

The PM and Kaikoura's mayor have dismissed Brain Tamaki's comments blaming the devastating earthquakes on "gays, murderers and sinners".

West Coast police today advised motorists to take extra care when driving through the Lewis Pass and Maruia Valley on SH7 and SH65 as traffic numbers build up.

Employers whose staff are struggling to cope following Monday's earthquake are being given advice on how to best support their employees.

Destiny Church's Brian Tamaki has blamed earthquakes on gays, sinners, and murderers.

The latest earthquake again prompted reports of animals behaving strangely just before the main shock hit. What does science say?

New aerial photos show there is much work to be done after Monday's 7.8 quake.

It may be up to a year before the Defence Force can get back into its Wellington headquarters after Monday's earthquake caused structural damage.

Some dairy farmers in the South Island might have to dispose of their milk due to road closures and other issues.

Queen Elizabeth II has sent a message of condolence to the Governor-General of New Zealand.