Tsunami warnings look to be cancelled as beach-goers who waited all day outside the water start heading home.

Civil Defence authorities have downgraded the tsunami warning for New Zealand. However, New Zealand authorities are warning that there could be surges for up to 24 hours.

Blaring tsunami warning sirens woke up Pacific island residents early this morning resulting in mass evacuations, but most warnings have been cancelled with no reported damage.

Paua fishermen are diving back into the seas and surfers are out to catch waves even as tsunami warnings stay 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.

A tsunami generated by a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile, is expected to reach New Zealand this morning.

A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Chile early Saturday