6.3 Quake Shakes Fiordland, Southland and Otago

A tsunami warning issued after Thursday night's earthquake near Te Anau has been downgraded to an advisory, after the quake's magnitude was revised from 6.3 down to 5.9.

The National Emergency Management Agency says coastal inundation is not expected, but dangerous currents and unpredictable surges near the shore remain possible. The advisory covers the West Coast of the South Island from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point.

The quake struck at 9.14pm, centred 40km north of Te Anau at a depth of 53km. Nearly 20,000 people reported feeling it — across Southland, Otago and Canterbury.

In Invercargill and Southland, people felt it clearly. A What's On Invers Facebook post drew more than 650 comments and 1.2 likes within hours, with residents from across Southland and Central Otago all reporting the shake. In Riversdale, one resident said it lasted "around 20 to 30 seconds". Further north in Cromwell, a resident said their house was "moving for quite a while" and reported feeling aftershocks. In Alexandra, someone described hearing a "very loud rumble" followed by "decent shaking". In Wānaka, it felt "very strong".

Emergency Management Southland was direct: no tsunami threat to the region. But it had a word for anyone who trusted their instincts on the night. "If you felt it and thought 'wow, that's a long, strong earthquake, I'll get gone' - then you've done the right thing! There may be strong and unusual currents over the next few days particularly around Milford and coastal areas."

Several aftershocks have been recorded in the region since the main event.

Queenstown Lakes District Council closed the Edith Cavell Bridge overnight for engineer inspection at first light, with an update expected by 8.30am Friday. The council also warned drivers crossing the Crown Range to watch for rocks or debris on the road.

Monitor local Civil Defence authorities for updates. The advisory remains in force.