A Tsunami warning for Chatham Islands, Pegasus Bay, Northern Coasts of Hawke's Bay and East Cape has been cancelled. The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) said the beach and marine threat had now passed.
The largest wave surge or "amplitude" of 35-40cm was recorded at the Chatham Islands.
Observations from tidal gauges around other sites of New Zealand have shown that maximum wave amplitudes of 15-25cm.
"We don't expect any further significantly larger waves to occur for the above areas," a spokesperson said.However, there is still the possibility of waves less than 20cm, and coastal areas will likely experience unusual, strong currents and surges lasting for several more hours.
Earlier, Civil Defence tweeted: "Tidal gauges are providing evidence of the first waves arriving at Chatham Islands and East Cape, consistent with GNS Science predictions."
"Too early to see full wave cycle for exact wave height. GNS and MCDEM will keep monitoring tidal gauges, follow us for regular updates."
Civil Defence stressed that people should stay off beaches.
A tsunami warning for marine and beach areas was issued late last night.
The 8.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of Mexico in the state of Chiapas about 5pm yesterday New Zealand time has triggered the tsunami warning alerts.
