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.

Auckland's ferries have been cancelled and boaties warned to head for deep water as New Zealand faces a possible tsunami.

Wave activity "appears to be stabilised" at previously-reported levels, Civil Defence Emergency Management says.

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.

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

Ex tropical cyclone Rene will combine with a front in the Tasman Sea bringing mostly gloomy, humid, drizzly weather to the upper and western North Island for the rest of today.

The tropics have exploded into action with 3 major cyclones in just a week.