A powerful earthquake has struck New Zealand’s South Island around 90 kilometres north of Christchurch.

A tsunami warning has been issued, calling on people on the east coast to move inland and find higher ground.

The 7.4 magnitude tremor, which struck just after midnight local time, was felt across a large area.

Power was knocked out in some areas and people rushed out into the streets – but there were no immediate reports of casualties.

Christchurch was devastated by an earthquake in 2011 that left 185 people dead and damaged the city centre.

The first wave may not be the largest. Tsunami activity will continue for several hours. #eqnz— MCDEM (@NZcivildefence) November 13, 2016


situation has changed – tsunami is possible. People near the coast in the south island should move to high ground or inlande #eqnz pic.twitter.com/1×2tSTubGO— MCDEM (@NZcivildefence) November 13, 2016