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.

Christchurch Hospital is already seeing a stream of people with minor injuries from trying to fix their houses.

A list of websites where Canterbury residents can get more information.

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.

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.

Weather analyst Philip Duncan gives his account of the Christchurch earthquake.

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

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

Kyle Scott and Liz Blatch still had their wedding at Darfield's Oak historic homestead only hours after the 7.1 earthquake.

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.

A formal curfew is now officially in place in the Christchurch central business district until 7am and those who breach it may be arrested, say police.