The head of Chile's oceanographic service has been sacked following the earthquake and tsunami that killed about 800 people last week.

Six locations around the country saw peak wave heights of more than a metre generated by last week's devastating earthquake near Chile.

O Lord, smite those that post morning bowel movements or what yr dog 8 for breakfast on worldwide social media.

NZ diplomatic staff have made contact with about 250 Kiwis in Chile after the country was rocked by an 8.8 earthquake on Saturday.

A seemingly calm and still Avon-Heathcote Estuary, in Christchurch, is turned into a churning mess by one of Sunday's tsunami.

Lifeguards say they do not want the power to arrest people who ignore beach closures, despite calls for them to be given enforcement powers.

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

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.

The official warning over a tsunami that threatened the entire east coast of New Zealand today has been downgraded to an advisory, but there is still a threat from ocean surges.

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