Locals have shaken off yesterday's magnitude-5.6 earthquake near Te Anau, describing it as "rapid'' but not worrying.
The quake, centred 70km west of Te Anau at a depth of 30km, shook the small Fiordland town about 2.55pm.
Fresh Choice Te Anau owner Keith Cullen said the quake was noticeable but did not shake stock from shelves.
"We certainly felt it,'' Mr Cullen said.
"It was quite a quick shake.
"I just shot down to the shop floor but no-one was worried or scared.''
Mr Cullen said the quake lasted about 10 to 15 seconds and was "a lot bigger than most'' he had felt in his 15 years in Te Anau.
"No-one seems worried.''
About five patrons and staff at The Ranch Bar and Grill felt the shake, which rattled glasses and got people talking.
Duty manager Hayley Dawson said the quake shook glasses hanging above the bar.
"The local handles were all rattling,'' she said.
GeoNet described the quake as "strong'' at its location. There were reports of it being felt as far as Oamaru, Haast and Bluff.
It was also reportedly felt in the main centres of Dunedin, Invercargill and Queenstown.
People took to social media to share their experiences.
Helen Honeybun said: "We were in our room in Te Anau and we just had a 5.1 earthquake. Very loud the whole room shook. A bit freaky.''
Robyn MacDonald said: "Oh my that was a good rock and roll in Wanaka, 5.6 in Te Anau.''
Misha Wilkinson said: "Wow - felt a 5.5 earthquake which hit west of Te Anau but certainly felt it here in Cromwell!''
Another quake, of magnitude 4.3, shook Fiordland yesterday. GeoNet said the 17km-deep quake struck 60km west of Te Anau at 11am.
It was described as moderate in intensity.
