Live: NEMA warns of 'unpredictable surges' following quake, tsunami warning downgraded

The National Emergency Management Agency has downgraded its tsunami warning to an advisory following an earthquake near Te Anau and cancelled its evacuation order.

NEMA earlier said people on the West Coast of the South Island from Milford Sound to Puysegur Point must immediately move to higher ground, out of tsunami evacuation zones or as far inland as possible.

The agency now says people in coastal areas should expect strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore.

People living on boats should still leave their vessels, and not return - as per their initial advisory.

The quake was first recorded as a 6.3 magnitude shake but it has been revised down to 5.9.

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