I am ever the skeptic but heard there has been some destruction in the islands already, was going for an early session - not sure now! Will probably stay on the hill!

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said sea level readings indicated that a tsunami had been generated.

"It may have been destructive along coasts near the earthquake epicenter and could also be a threat to more distant coasts," it said.

The center estimated any tsunami would first hit New Zealand's East Cape at approximately 9.45am today, Wellington at 10.50am, Auckland's east coast at 11.12, and the west coast at 11.39, Lyttelton at 11.55 and Dunedin at 12.31.