Three large earthquakes struck off the southern coast of the South Island overnight.
GNS Science reported the first, a magnitude 5.8, struck at 7.48pm, 180km southwest of Tuatapere and west of Stewart Island, at a depth of 12km.
It was followed by a magnitude 5.5 quake at 10.01pm, 190km southwest of Tuatapere, also at a depth of 12km.
This morning a magnitude 5 struck at 1.46am, 190km southwest of Tuatapere, at a depth of 20km.
GNS Science received reports the first two jolts were felt across the lower South Island and as far north as Christchurch.
There was one report the 5.8 quake was "slightly damaging'' in Newfield, and "damaging'' Appleby, Kingswell, Otatara, Strathern, and Te Anau Downs.
Police were not aware of any damage and St John received no reports of injuries.
Acting Senior Sergeant Deon McNaught, of the Invercargill police, said the first "20 to 30 second'' quake was "a sway rather than a sharp shake''.
'We've had no reports of damage.''
Waiau Hotel owner Dorothy Donald was sitting on a chair and felt a "little wobble'', but only a few felt it at the Tuatapere establishment.
