An earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale shook New Zealand's lower South Island on Saturday, but seismologists said it was felt only moderately because it was 100 kilometres below the surface.
The quake, just after noon local time, was centred 80 kilometres south-west of the lakeside resort town of Te Anau in Fiordland.
There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, dpa reported.