Wellington: An earthquake, measuring at 6.7 in magnitude, hit New Zealand's South Island, located southwest of the country, with no reports of harm or damage yet, said authorities on Tuesday.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the government seismic monitor GeoNet revealed that the quake occurred at a depth of 33 kilometers and 160 kilometers from the northwest Snares Island. Some 4,700 people felt it, the source added.
The United States Geological Survey indicated that the earthquake had occurred at 2:43 pm local time at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Local media indicated that the earthquake had caused buildings to sway in several areas including Southland and Fiordland.
New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency called on residents of coastal areas to take precaution and stay away from beaches and marine areas to avoid strong and unusual currents.
On its part, Australia's national weather bureau said there were no fears of a tsunami occurring; however, it asked residents to remain on alert.
New Zealand is located on the "Ring of Fire" region, which has a string of volcanoes and sites of seismic activity, or earthquakes, around the edges of the Pacific Ocean.
In 2011, Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand led to the death of 185 people.